Primary Sources for Legal Research   Tags: executive, judicial, legislative, primary_sources  

This guide introduces primary sources of law for the United States as well as Iowa.  Click on a tab above to see information about the three branches of government. 

See Finding Library Materials for more information on how to find materials referenced in this guide.

Remember that if you are just beginning your research, the best approach might be to start with secondary sources, which can lead you to appropriate primary sources. 

What are Primary Sources of Law?

They are the official pronouncements of governmental lawmakers (agencies, courts, legislatures).  They include court decisions, legislation, and regulations that form the basis of the legal doctrine.

Remember that not all primary sources have the same force for all purposes.  Decisions of the state supreme court is mandatory authority in its jurisdiction (the state) and must be followed by lower state courts. A state statute also has mandatory authority. However, other primary sources are only persuasive authority.  For example, a court in one state may be influenced by decisions in other states but it can reach its own decisions. 

The framers of the Constitution of the United States created a government with three separate branches, each with its own distinct powers. Governmental power and functions in the United States rest in three branches of government: the legislative, judicial, and executive. Article I of the Constitution defines the legislative branch and vests power to legislate in the Congress of the United States. The executive powers of the President are defined in Article 2. Article 3 places judicial power in the hands of one Supreme Court and inferior courts as Congress sees necessary to establish. State governments generally follow the same structure as the federal system.

This guide is for your benefit so tell us what you think.  Suggestions are welcome!