codify
To codify, or codification, is the process of arranging laws, rules, or regulations into a systematic code. It can involve compiling judicial decisions or legislative acts into an organized legal framework. Codification does not generally create new law; it organizes existing law, typically by subject, into a code.
In the United States, acts of Congress are published chronologically in the order of enactment, such as on Congress.gov. The United States Code organizes those statutes by subject matter instead.
Codification can reveal inconsistencies, duplication, or ambiguity in existing laws. It also provides a uniform, accessible reference for legal professionals and the public. However, when interpreting a codified provision, courts may consult the original legislation or judicial decision to clarify the intent behind the law.
[Last reviewed in August of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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