Legal Definitions - code state

Definition: A code state is a state where the legal system has merged law and equity into one procedural system. This means that there is only one form of civil action, and equity is no longer administered as a separate system.

For example, California is a code state because it has a comprehensive set of laws that govern all civil actions, including those that were traditionally handled by equity courts. In contrast, states like New York and Delaware are non-code states because they still have separate courts for law and equity.

The concept of a code state was more prevalent in the early to mid-20th century, but it is still relevant today. Understanding whether a state is a code state or a non-code state can be important for lawyers and legal scholars who are studying the differences between legal systems in different parts of the country.