The Shadow Code: Statutory Notes in the United States Code

Abstract

Many legal researchers may be unaware that some valid statutory provisions appear as statutory notes rather than in sections of the United States Code. This article examines the history, creation, and purpose of statutory notes in the United States Code and provides data on the number of statutory notes that exist. It also explores the challenges statutory notes present in the research process and offers guidelines and best practices for researching and teaching this often overlooked aspect of the United States Code.

Keywords: legal research, U.S. Code, United States Code, statutory notes, statutes, legislation