This Guide will assist you in learning about the United States legal system, and where the laws come from. Laws and regulations change frequently, so check that any resources you are using are up to date. Please consult with an attorney if you need legal advice.
This guide provides assistance in locating legal resources regarding the United States legal system, and where the laws come from.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended as a substitute for doing your own research. We cannot guarantee that this information will meet your needs because laws and procedures frequently change, and because some skill is needed to adapt the forms to fit your case. To obtain legal advice, or for help in adapting the forms to your situation, consult an attorney.
The San Diego Law Library is San Diego's access point to legal information, resources, and referrals to help you. Click here for hours and partner locations or contact us at refdesk@sdlawlibrary.org or 619-531-3900.
The United States legal system involves the national (or federal) government, and the governments of the 50 states. The federal and state governments have a parallel system of executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and each of these branches have different responsibilities, and are responsible for enacting different types of laws. Case law comes from the judicial branch, which interprets the laws. Statutes come from the legislative branch, which makes laws. Regulations come from the executive branch, which carries out the laws.
For more information about the laws that come from the Legislative Branch, see the Codes page of this guide.
For more information about case law that comes from the Judicial Branch, see the Cases page of this guide.
For more information about regulations that come from the Executive Branch, see the Regulations page of this guide.
The Administrative Office of the United States Courts, on behalf of the Federal Judiciary, has prepared a short video on the Separation of Powers, which is viewable below.
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