THE UNITED STATES CODE
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ABOUT THE UNITED STATES CODE
The United States Code (U.S. Code) is the collection of federal laws organized into 54 titles based on subject matter. It serves as the official codification of the general and permanent laws enacted by Congress. The U.S. Code helps provide clarity and accessibility by organizing federal laws into an easy-to-navigate format.
Each title focuses on a specific area of law, such as general provisions, crimes and criminal procedures, transportation, and public health. These laws apply nationwide and form the foundation of the federal legal system. Below, you’ll find a summary of each title to help you better understand the scope and structure of the U.S. Code.
General Provisions (Title 1)
Covers foundational principles of U.S. law, including definitions, rules for interpreting statutes, and guidelines on time and currency standards.
The Congress (Title 2)
Details the organization and procedures of Congress, including member compensation, legislative procedures, and Capitol operations.
The President (Title 3)
Focuses on the powers and duties of the President, including executive orders and presidential succession rules.
Flag and Seal, Seat of Government, and the States (Title 4)
Covers federal symbols like the U.S. flag and Great Seal, as well as regulations governing Washington, D.C., and state relations.
Government Organization and Employees (Title 5)
Regulates the structure, operation, and employment rules for federal agencies and employees. Includes hiring practices, employee benefits, and workplace policies.
Domestic Security (Title 6)
Covers laws related to national security, including homeland security policies, counterterrorism efforts, and disaster response coordination.
Agriculture (Title 7)
Focuses on laws governing farming, food production, rural development, and agricultural trade and subsidies.
Aliens and Nationality (Title 8)
Addresses immigration, citizenship, and naturalization laws, including entry and deportation rules.
Arbitration (Title 9)
Provides a legal framework for arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in civil cases.
Armed Forces (Title 10)
Covers the organization, duties, and regulations of the United States military, including training, deployment, and military justice.
Bankruptcy (Title 11)
Establishes the legal process for individuals and businesses to manage and discharge debts. It outlines types of bankruptcy and procedures for filings.
Banks and Banking (Title 12)
Regulates financial institutions, including banking operations, Federal Reserve System oversight, and consumer protection in financial transactions.
Census (Title 13)
Governs the operations of the U.S. Census Bureau, including the collection, publication, and use of population and economic data.
Coast Guard (Title 14)
Covers the duties, organization, and regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard, including maritime safety and law enforcement.
Commerce and Trade (Title 15)
Includes laws on business practices, antitrust regulations, consumer protection, and trademarks.
Conservation (Title 16)
Focuses on environmental laws, wildlife conservation, and the management of natural resources like forests and fisheries.
Copyrights (Title 17)
Establishes the rights of creators over their works, including protections, infringement rules, and registration processes.
Crimes and Criminal Procedure (Title 18)
Defines federal crimes and outlines procedures for investigations, prosecutions, and punishments under U.S. law.
Customs Duties (Title 19)
Regulates the import and export of goods, including tariffs, trade agreements, and customs enforcement.
Education (Title 20)
Covers federal policies on public and higher education, including funding programs and civil rights protections in schools.
Food and Drugs (Title 21)
Regulates the safety, labeling, and marketing of food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
Foreign Relations and Intercourse (Title 22)
Focuses on diplomatic relations, foreign aid, and international agreements involving the United States.
Highways (Title 23)
Covers federal highway funding, construction standards, and regulations for interstate and national road systems.
Hospitals and Asylums (Title 24)
Regulates federally owned hospitals, homes for veterans, and other facilities providing public care.
Indians (Title 25)
Addresses laws related to Native American tribes, including treaties, land management, and tribal sovereignty.
Internal Revenue Code (Title 26)
Sets out federal tax laws, including income, estate, and corporate taxes, as well as IRS procedures.
Intoxicating Liquors (Title 27)
Regulates the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol, including enforcement of licensing laws.
Judiciary and Judicial Procedure (Title 28)
Covers the organization and jurisdiction of federal courts, judicial processes, and rules for handling legal cases.
Labor (Title 29)
Regulates workplace practices, employee rights, collective bargaining, and workplace safety standards.
Mineral Lands and Mining (Title 30)
Covers laws related to mining rights, safety, and the management of mineral resources on public and private lands.
Money and Finance (Title 31)
Addresses federal budgeting, financial management, public debt, and the regulation of U.S. currency.
National Guard (Title 32)
Covers the organization, training, and duties of the National Guard when not called into federal service.
Navigation and Navigable Waters (Title 33)
Regulates shipping lanes, waterway management, and water pollution laws.
Crime Control and Law Enforcement (Title 34)
Focuses on crime prevention, law enforcement policies, and grants for policing initiatives.
Patents (Title 35)
Establishes the legal framework for protecting inventions and granting patent rights.
Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations (Title 36)
Details federal guidelines for patriotic observances, monuments, and nonprofit organizations.
Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services (Title 37)
Regulates salaries, benefits, and allowances for members of the U.S. military and other uniformed services.
Veterans’ Benefits (Title 38)
Covers programs and services for veterans, including health care, pensions, and education benefits.
Postal Service (Title 39)
Regulates postal operations, including mail delivery, rates, and postal worker protections.
Public Buildings, Property, and Works (Title 40)
Covers construction, maintenance, and management of federal buildings and infrastructure.
Public Contracts (Title 41)
Regulates federal government contracts, procurement procedures, and contractor obligations.
The Public Health and Welfare (Title 42)
Addresses health care, social services, public safety, and emergency preparedness programs.
Public Lands (Title 43)
Regulates the management and sale of federal lands, including resource development and land conservation.
Public Printing and Documents (Title 44)
Covers the publication and distribution of government documents and records management policies.
Railroads (Title 45)
Regulates the operation, safety, and labor practices of the railroad industry.
Shipping (Title 46)
Covers laws related to maritime commerce, shipping safety, and seamen’s rights.
Telecommunications (Title 47)
Regulates communications systems, including telephone, radio, television, and the internet.
Territories and Insular Possessions (Title 48)
Addresses governance and laws for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
Transportation (Title 49)
Focuses on federal laws governing air, rail, road, and public transportation systems.
War and National Defense (Title 50)
Covers laws related to military preparedness, national defense, and wartime powers.
National and Commercial Space Programs (Title 51)
Regulates U.S. space exploration and commercial space activities, including NASA’s operations.
Voting and Elections (Title 52)
Addresses federal election laws, voter rights, and election procedures.
Reserved (Title 53)
Reserved for future law, likely regarding small business matters.
National Park Service and Related Programs (Title 54)
Focuses on the management and preservation of national parks, historic sites, and related programs.