Primary law consists of which of the following?

• A. Cases, Constitutions, Statutes, Treatises, Executive Orders, and Administrative Regulations
• B. Persuasive authorities and secondary sources
• C. Only statutes and constitutions
• D. Local ordinances and case law outside the jurisdiction

Answer: (A)

Primary law means the binding sources that courts and government agencies must follow. Constitutions establish the fundamental framework and limits of government. Statutes are the rules enacted by legislatures. Case law provides binding precedent that guides decisions in similar situations. Administrative regulations issued by agencies implement statutes and carry force in their areas. Executive orders have legal effect within the scope of the executive’s authority. Treaties, once ratified and properly implemented, bind the parties to international obligations and can become domestic law. Local ordinances have binding effect within their jurisdiction. In contrast, persuasive authorities and secondary sources help explain or interpret the law but do not themselves bind. Treatises are typically secondary sources, though they’re useful for understanding how these primary sources operate.