Learn about some of the best-known U.S. laws and regulations. Show
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Federal Laws and Agency EnforcementOne way to learn about federal laws and regulations is through the federal agencies charged with enforcing them. Check the list below for links to agency sites on popular legal topics. Where no federal law exists, sites offer compilations of state laws on a topic. Business
Child Welfare
Consumer Protection
Controlled Substances
Debt and Bankruptcy
Education
Health
Historic Preservation
Housing
Homeland Security
Immigration and Citizenship
Information and Privacy
Jobs and Employment
Protection of Animals and the Environment
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunity in:
The Department of Justice ADA information line answers questions about ADA requirements. It's available to businesses, state and local governments, and the public. Call 1- 800-514-0301 (TTY: 1-800-514-0383). Find More ADA Resources From the GovernmentThe ADA website has information on:
The United States Access Board website provides:
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible.
When to File a ComplaintAccording to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, hotels, restaurants, and certain places of entertainment must provide disability access. If you feel that you've been the object of Title III discrimination, you can file an ADA complaint. Environmental Laws and RegulationsLearn which state and federal agencies manage environmental protection and regulation. Air Pollutants, Clean Water, and Safe Drinking Water LawsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets limits on certain air pollutants. It also enforces federal laws on clean water and safe drinking water. The EPA also enforces federal regulations to limit the impact of businesses on the environment.
Wildlife and Endangered Species ProtectionThe Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed in 1973. It protects and conserves threatened and endangered plants, animals, and their habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service administer the ESA.
Laws Governing Pesticide Use on FoodThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA have a cooperative arrangement to carry out the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The FDA is responsible for the safety of food and any substance that is applied to the human body. Environmental Concerns at WorkThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. It deals with problems with the environment inside the workplace. This includes the presence or handling of toxic chemicals and fumes. Find State, Local, and Tribal Offices That Handle Environmental ConcernsStates have primary responsibility over many environmental programs. And some environmental laws and regulations apply to tribal government operations.
Impeachment of Federal OfficialsImpeachment is the process of bringing charges against a government official for wrongdoing. A trial may be held and the official may be removed from office. Impeachment ProcessThe Constitution gives Congress the power to impeach federal officials.
Past Impeachments of Federal OfficialsThe House has initiated impeachment proceedings more than 60 times. But there have been only 20 impeachments. This includes three presidents, one cabinet secretary, and one senator. Of those who were impeached, only eight—all federal judges—were found guilty by the Senate and removed from office. The presidents impeached by the House were:
Presidents Johnson, Clinton, and Trump (both times) remained in office following acquittals by the Senate on all charges. Former President Richard Nixon was not impeached. He resigned after Congress started the impeachment process against him in 1974. Impeachment of State and Local OfficialsA state legislature can impeach its governor and other state officials. Many local governments also have impeachment procedures. Get Copies of Your Government Files Through the Privacy ActFederal agencies create files on everyone who’s ever paid income taxes, served in the military, applied for a federal benefit, or in another way directly interacted with the government. If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you have the right through the Privacy Act to see and correct information the government keeps on file about you. Your Rights Under the Privacy ActThe Privacy Act of 1974 guarantees your right to:
How to Make a Privacy Act RequestTo request records under the Privacy Act, you must contact the federal agency you believe holds the records. When creating your request:
Agencies typically group their Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) offices together. When you write, address your request to the agency’s or program’s FOIA/Privacy Act Officer and state in your letter that it is a Privacy Act request. Learn more specific guidelines from these agencies:
Find other agencies and contacts for submitting your Privacy Act request. Types of Information Agencies Are Not Required to DiscloseThere are 9 exemptions to the information agencies must allow you to see. Two frequently-used exemptions involve:
Federal and State Laws, Regulations, and Related Court DecisionsFederal laws apply to people living in the United States and its territories. Congress creates and passes bills. The president then may sign those bills into law. Federal courts may review the laws to see if they agree with the Constitution. If a court finds a law is unconstitutional, it can strike it down. Find Federal LawsThe United States Code contains general and permanent federal laws. It does not include regulations, decisions, or laws issued by:
New public and private laws appear in each edition of the United States Statutes at Large. There is a new edition for each session of Congress.
Federal RegulationsRegulations are issued by federal agencies, boards, and commissions. They explain how agencies plan to carry out laws. Regulations are published yearly in the Code of Federal Regulations. State Laws and RegulationsState legislatures make the laws in each state. State courts can review these laws. If a court decides a law doesn't agree with the state's constitution, it can declare it invalid. Find state laws and regulations with the Law Library of Congress’s guide for each state. Federal Court DecisionsFederal courts do not write or pass laws. But they may establish individual “rights” under federal law. This happens through courts' interpretations of federal and state laws and the Constitution. An example is the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. The court decided that state laws which segregated public school students by race violated the 14th Amendment. It said that "separate but equal" schools cause minority children to feel inferior. And that hurts their educational opportunities. Research recent decisions of the Supreme Court. Or get information about historic Supreme Court decisions by topic. Last Updated: August 10, 2022 TopWhich of the following is an example of whistleblowing?If an employee report wrongdoing that they believe is in the public interest, it is known as whistleblowing. Whistleblowing examples can include criminal activity, such as theft or unethical or unjust behaviour in the workplace, including racist, sexist or homophobic behaviour.
What is the name of the law that protects a person who Whistleblows?Whistleblowing law is located in the Employment Rights Act 1996 (as amended by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998). It provides the right for a worker to take a case to an employment tribunal if they have been victimised at work or they have lost their job because they have 'blown the whistle'.
What is a company exhibiting when they have the highest degree of social responsibility?Socially responsible companies use their position and resources for something more than pleasing their shareholders and increasing their bottom line. They operate on a business model that focuses on social change, sharing its success with their local and global communities.
Which of the following is the best definition of whistleblowing?A whistleblower (also written as whistle-blower or whistle blower) is a person, often an employee, who reveals information about activity within a private or public organization that is deemed illegal, immoral, illicit, unsafe or fraudulent.
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