Popular Name Table

Definition

A popular name table is a resource that lists federal laws by their common or popular names, making it easier to locate statutory provisions without needing to know the official citation. These tables serve as a handy reference for legal researchers and practitioners, linking informal names of statutes to their formal legislative counterparts, which enhances the efficiency of statutory research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Popular name tables are typically found in legal research tools and resources such as legal databases and libraries, providing quick access to key legislation.
2. These tables often include both the public law number and the popular name, allowing researchers to cross-reference easily between informal and formal titles.
3. Some notable examples include laws like the 'Affordable Care Act' or 'Americans with Disabilities Act,' which are widely recognized by their popular names.
4. Using a popular name table can significantly speed up legal research by helping researchers bypass lengthy searches through multiple volumes of statutes.
5. Each state may also have its own version of a popular name table for state laws, making it essential for researchers to be aware of both federal and state resources.

Review Questions

• How does the popular name table enhance the effectiveness of statutory research?
  • The popular name table enhances the effectiveness of statutory research by providing an accessible way to find laws based on their commonly known titles rather than formal citations. This user-friendly approach allows legal researchers to save time by quickly locating relevant statutes without needing to sift through extensive legal texts. The table acts as a bridge between the formal legal language and everyday terminology, making it easier for both professionals and the general public to understand legislative references.
• Compare and contrast the use of citations and popular name tables in legal research. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
  • Citations provide precise references to specific laws, cases, or regulations, ensuring accuracy in legal research. However, they can be complex and challenging for those unfamiliar with legal terminology. On the other hand, popular name tables offer a more approachable way to identify legislation by using familiar names. While they simplify access to laws, they might not always cover every statute or reflect changes over time. Researchers often benefit from using both methods; citations ensure accuracy while popular name tables improve efficiency.
• Evaluate how the use of popular name tables could impact the understanding of legislative history in legal contexts.
  • The use of popular name tables could significantly impact the understanding of legislative history by promoting broader awareness and accessibility of key laws among legal practitioners and the public. By linking well-known names with their official legislative documents, these tables can encourage further exploration into how specific laws have evolved over time. This enhanced accessibility may lead to more informed discussions about legislative intent and application, as users can easily trace back through historical context while recognizing the importance of each statute in shaping current law.

Related terms

Statutory Research:

The process of locating and analyzing statutes, which are laws enacted by a legislative body.

Citations: Formal references to legal documents, including cases, statutes, and regulations, that allow for precise identification and retrieval.

Legislative History:

The chronological record of the progression of a bill through the legislative process, including debates, amendments, and the final text.