Legal Definitions - codification

Definition: Codification is the process of organizing laws and rules into a formal code. This code is a systematic compilation of existing laws that are included in a legislative statute. It covers a complete legal system or a specific area and can make the formulation of legal principles and rules more concise, clear, and thorough.

For example, many states publish official codes of all existing laws, which are compiled by code commissions and enacted by the legislature. The United States Code (USC) is a compilation of federal law, and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a collection of commercial law. These codes cover the complete rules of a particular area, such as civil or criminal law, and make it easier for people to understand the rules more quickly and comprehensively.

In summary, codification is the process of compiling laws and rules into an orderly, formal code that covers a complete legal system or a specific area. It helps to make legal principles and rules more concise, clear, and thorough, and is often used to create official codes of all existing laws.