Uniform Laws and Model Acts

1. Uniform Lawsand Model Acts

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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 • ULAdatabase on Westlaw