Skip to Main Content

Sources of Federal Law

A guide to the sources of federal law.

About

Statutes from the U.S. Congress give federal agencies the authority to create rules. These rules help in the administration and implementation of federal laws.

Code of Federal Regulations

The Code of Federal Regulations is a compilation of all federal agency rules arranged by subject matter. It is continuously updated as rules are adopted or repealed.

Online

In Print

Federal Register

The Federal Register serves as the daily journal of the federal government. It contains notices, proposed rules, final rules, and presidential documents.

Before changes can be made to the Code of Federal Regulations, the federal agency proposing a change must publish an announcement in the Federal Register.

Online

In Print

Researching the Law

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Find legal help

Get research help