Federal · Title 28 — Judiciary and Judicial Procedure

28 U.S.C. § 3003: Rules of construction

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute provides rules for interpreting statutory language and establishes that federal law under this chapter preempts conflicting state law. It applies federal procedural rules to actions under the chapter.

Read the full statutory text
the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting; the term “or” is not exclusive; and the singular includes the plural. to collect taxes or to collect any other amount collectible in the same manner as a tax; to collect any fine, penalty, assessment, restitution, or forfeiture arising in a criminal case; to appoint or seek the appointment of a receiver; or to enforce a security agreement. title 11; admiralty law; section 3713 of title 31 ; section 303 of the Consumer Credit Protection Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1673 ); a statute of limitation applicable to a criminal proceeding; the common law or statutory rights to set-off or recoupment; any Federal law authorizing, or any inherent authority of a court to provide, injunctive relief; to impose a sanction under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; to appoint a receiver to effectuate its order; or to exercise the power of contempt under any Federal law; any law authorizing the United States to obtain partition, or to recover possession, of property in which the United States holds title; or any provision of any other chapter of this title, except to the extent such provision is inconsistent with this chapter. This chapter shall preempt State law to the extent such law is inconsistent with a provision of this chapter. This chapter shall not be construed to curtail or limit the rights of the United States under foreign law, under a treaty or an international agreement, or otherwise under international law. Except as provided otherwise in this chapter, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply with respect to actions and proceedings under this chapter.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.