codified
To be codified is to be included in a legislative statute. It is sometimes used in a wider sense to refer to principles that can be found not just in statutes, but also in constitutions, administrative rules, and other non-judicial sources of law. The code is a structured compilation of existing laws that are in force, covering a complete legal system or a specific topic. A code can make the formulation of legal principles and rules more concise, clear, and thorough, so that people can find and understand them more quickly and comprehensively. Many states publish official codes of all existing laws, which are compiled by code commissions and enacted by legislation. The United States Code (USC) is a collection of federal law, and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a collection of commercial law. A code often covers the broad body of laws in a particular area, such as civil or criminal law.
[Last reviewed in April of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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