Federal Legislative History

Many government, law school, and legal information websites include how-to guides for compiling a federal legislative history. Below are a sampling of these guides.

Compiling a Federal Legislative History: A Beginner’s Guide Law Library of Congress
A basic outline of resources to consult when first researching a federal legislative history.

Federal Legislative History Duke Law
Easy-to-read PDF version is available through a link at the top of the page. Although some resources link to the Duke Library Catalog, most are available through Jenkins Law Library. See the Congressional Documents guide for more information on each document type.

Federal Legislative History Research: A Practitioner's Guide to Compiling the Documents and Sifting for Legislative Intent Law Librarians' Society of Washington, D.C.
Click on the links at the top of the page to view as a "Detailed Outline," "Written Narrative," "Compiling Electronically," or more. Provides a thorough explanation of research strategy, but not all resources are linked. Part of LLSDC's Legislative Source Book.

Legislative History Research: A Guide to Resources for Congressional Staff (R41865) Congressional Research Service (CRS)
An overview of federal legislative history research, the legislative process, and where to find congressional documents. Multiple revisions available.

Legislative History Research Guide Georgetown Law Library
Also see Quick Reference Chart. Although some resources link to the Georgetown Library Catalog, most are available through Jenkins Law Library. See the Congressional Documents guide for more information on each document type.