Legal Definitions - codified

Definition: To be codified means to be included in a formal and orderly code of laws, such as a legislative statute, constitution, or administrative rule. A code is a systematic compilation of existing laws in force, covering a complete legal system or a specific area.

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 make the formulation of legal principles and rules more concise, clear, and thorough, so that people can understand the rules more quickly and comprehensively.

A code usually covers the complete rules of a particular area, such as civil or criminal law. The law itself is formulated and published in the form of a code, which helps to ensure that everyone is aware of the rules and can follow them.