State, Local, and Municipal Law Overview

States, counties, cities, and other government bodies create laws governing activities within their boundaries.  States make laws governing issues such as banking, insurance, agriculture, taxes, and business licensing. States and smaller local governments may establish their own courts, police, prosecutors, and prisons to carry out law enforcement.

Local laws may cover a wide range of issues, from whether you can drive while using a cell phone, to whether gaming (gambling) establishments are allowed. State and local laws may be created, changed, or repealed by state or local legislatures, by state or local agencies, or by being put to a popular vote through a ballot measure.