Introduction to U.S. Law for International Students: Online Resources

• Outline of the U.S. Legal System

An excellent, comprehensive guide to the U.S. legal system and the historical context behind its development.

• Introduction to the American Legal System

A concise overview of the U.S. court system, including sources of the law and the basics of how judges and lawyers apply case law.

• Learn About the United States:  Quick Civics Lessons

A study guide from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, organized in a question and answer format. Covers basic information on U.S history and the organization of the U.S. government.

• Sources of the Law and Their Priority

An explanation of the sources of state and federal law and how they interact.

• How a Bill Becomes a Law

Outlines the steps a federal bill takes from its introduction in the House or Senate, through committee action, voting, and Presidential review.

• Inside the Federal Courts

A website explaining the steps involved in trial and appellate cases. Check out “How Cases Move Through the Federal Courts,” “What the Federal Courts Do,” “Who Does What,” and “The Federal Courts and the Other Branches of Government.”

• Federalism — the Relationship between Federal and State Government

A brief article explaining the division of powers between federal and state governments.

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