Uniform Laws and Model Acts Uniform Laws The

Uniform Laws and Model Acts

Uniform Laws • The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws drafts Uniform Laws and Model Acts. • The goal is to promote uniformity in state law on subjects where uniformity is desirable and practical. • The National Conference designates as a “Uniform Law” any act that has a reasonable chance of enactment in a substantial number of states.

Uniform Laws • The National Conference has approved more than 200 acts and more than 100 have been adopted by at least one state. • Uniform Commercial Code has been enacted in every state. • Approved laws can be found in – separate pamphlets – the annual Handbook of the National Conference – Uniform Laws Annotated, Master Edition, with annual supplements – ULA database on Westlaw • Contains uniform laws and model acts • Search: ci(“uniform commercial code”) • Find command: ula ucc 2 -201

Model Acts • An act that does not have a reasonable chance of adoption by a substantial number of states is designated a “Model Act. ” • The goal is to have some of the sections, but not all, adopted or modified by some of the states. • Both the National Commission and the American Law Institute draft Model Acts. • Model Business Corporation Act, Model Penal Code • Model Acts can be located in – Handbook of the National Conference – Directory of Uniform Acts and Codes – ULA database on Westlaw