Welcome to Legislation and Regulation!

For the first class, please read the following pages of the assigned textbook: pp. 2-3 (introductory note), 22-35 (I.B. Foundational Theories), and 310-328 (Judicial Power and Equitable Interpretation, U.S. v. Marshall, and notes). When you are reading, think about the different ways you could read the same law and consider what role judges should play in shaping our laws.

By the end of this class, you will have a basic understanding of how to read statutes and regulations, how laws and regulations are passed, and what requirements agencies must follow when making rules and issuing guidance. This will help to prepare you for more advanced classes like administrative law, as well as classes like intellectual property law where interpretation of laws and regulations is critically important to your practice.

The textbook is Manning & Stephenson, Legislation and Regulation, 5th edition (Foundation Press 2025). If you purchase from the West Academic website (https://www.westacademic.com/Manning-and-Stephensons-Legislation-and-Re…), there is a 14-day digital edition available in case there are delays in getting your hard copy book.