The Structure of American Law: Statutes and Statute Makers

Abstract This chapter examines the roles of legislators and statutes in the American legal system. It begins by describing the structure of both federal and state legislative bodies as well as the role of direct democracy, including initiatives, referendums, and recall elections. It then examines the legislative output, and the history and impact of the uniform laws movement. It looks at the form and content of typical statutes, and how statutory language is interpreted by courts and administrative agencies, including the use of textualism, canons of construction, and legislative history. Finally, the chapter examines the process of legislative decisionmaking, including the effect of public opinion and the role of lobbyists and organized interest groups.