5 Tips for Reading Legislation and Code

Lawyers read statutes and regulations every day, but many find the wording and format difficult to comprehend. Legislative drafting attorneys adhere to strict rules that determine applicability, authority, conditions, penalties, and procedure. Good legislative drafting is intended to minimize misinterpretation, so consistency and specificity are key. Each state and the federal government organizes its code differently, but there are some general rules that will guide you through any bill, statute, or regulation.