Sources of American Law

independent regulatory agencies

An administrative agency that is not considered part of the government's executive branch and is not subject to the authority of the president. Independent agency officials cannot be removed without cause. Example is SEC or FTC

Executive Agencies

An administrative agency within the executive branch of government. At the federal level, executive agencies are those within the cabinet departments. Example is FDA

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)

facilitates commerce among the states by providing a uniform, yet flexible, set of rules governing commercial transactions.

Statutory Law

source of american law which are Laws enacted by legislative bodies at any level of government, such as statutes passed by Congress or by state legislatures

Administrative Law

source of american law which consists of the rules, orders, and decisions of administrative agencies.

Case Law and Common Law Doctrines

source of american law which is Judge-made law, including interpretations of constitutional provisions, of statutes enacted by legislatures, and of regulations created by administrative agencies.

Constitutional Law

source of american law which is Law that is based on the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of the various states.

Uniform Law

(model statutes) for the states to consider adopting; these laws are drafted by National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL)

ordinances

Included in statutory laws; statutes (laws, rules, or orders) passed by municipal or county governing units to govern matters not covered by federal or state law.

Administrative Agency

a federal, state, or local government agency established to perform a specific function.