Statutes Archives - California Globe

Eliminating Legalese in California Statutes

October 6, 2022 3:01 pmOctober 6, 2022 3:08 pm

As part of the efforts to update and modernize California’s 29 Codes that contain over 155,000 statutes, the Office of Legislative Counsel is removing “legalese” from those statutory provisions. What do we mean by legalese? According to the dictionary, legalese...

What Is in California’s Commercial Code?

March 25, 2022 3:26 pmMarch 25, 2022 3:29 pm

The California Commercial Code is one of 29 Codes that contain state statutes. The Commercial Code, officially it is “The Uniform Commercial Code,” contains several sections of general provisions, followed by 15 Divisions. There are also numerous parts, chapters, and...

Is There a Difference Between Intent and Policy in Statutes?

March 25, 2022 6:19 amMarch 25, 2022 6:26 am

Readers of bills and statutes will regularly come across statements of legislative intent, such as paragraphs that usually begin with either “It is the intent of the Legislature to …” or “The Legislature finds and declares that …” On other...

What Is in California’s Business and Professions Code?

March 22, 2022 4:40 pmMarch 22, 2022 4:43 pm

The California Business and Professions Code is one of 29 Codes that contain state statutes. The B&P Code, as it is often referred to, contains general provisions, followed by 13 Divisions. There are also numerous parts, chapters, and articles containing...

Citing Statutes and Court Decisions in California Legislation

March 1, 2022 6:17 amMarch 1, 2022 6:38 am

On occasion, bills in the California Legislature must cite statutes or court decisions and there are rules that the Office of Legislative Counsel follows in drafting legislation. Examples of each type of citation include the following: How California legislation cites...

Should Either Cross-References or Definitions Be Used in Legislation?

February 28, 2022 6:31 amFebruary 28, 2022 6:37 am

Current California laws often define a term used in a statute by making reference to an existing definition contained in another section of law or even contained in an entirely different Code. In addition, a state law might use reference...

A sea of empty desks inside the California State Assembly

How Do We Prepare to Amend or Repeal Statutes?

December 6, 2020 2:31 amDecember 7, 2020 10:56 am

Like other forms of drafting legislation, in preparing to amend or repeal existing statutes, there are several steps for the bill drafter to take. In this regard, helpful guidance is provided by the Graduate Degree in Legislative Drafting from Athabasca...