Intro to Lexis+ and the American Legal System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key components of Lexis+ use and the hierarchy of sources in the American legal system.

Lexis+

A comprehensive legal research platform providing access to primary and secondary U.S. legal materials, including cases, statutes, and regulations.

American Legal System

The framework of laws, institutions, and processes that govern the United States, combining constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and common-law sources.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that establishes the structure of the federal government and guarantees fundamental rights.

Federal Statutes

Laws enacted by the U.S. Congress that apply nationwide and are codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.).

Regulations

Administrative rules issued by federal or state agencies to implement and interpret statutes, published in the Federal Register and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.).

Common Law

Judge-made law developed through court decisions that establish precedents, especially in areas not covered by statutes.

State Law

Legal rules created and enforced by individual U.S. states, including state constitutions, statutes, regulations, and case law.

State Statutes

Laws enacted by state legislatures that apply within a specific state and are codified in that state’s statutory code.

Case Law

Legal principles and rules established in written judicial opinions, serving as precedent for future cases.