LAW LIBRARY BIBLIOGRAPHY SERIES

All items are located in Administrative Decisions First Floor shelved by SuDoc Number unless otherwise indicated.

This list is organized by Agency name, its government document (SuDoc) classification, address, phone and/or fax number, and Web site as available. Also, you will find a summary of functions and purpose of the agencies. Please note that in the bibliography an orderly arrangement of items is often by date to accomodate numerous changes in title or agency.

All addresses and telphone numbers are from the U.S. Government Manual, 1998/99 edition or website.

14 St. & Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250 voice: 202-720-2791

Web:   http://www.usda.gov/

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) was created by act of May 15, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 2201), and was administered by a Commissioner of Agriculture until 1889 (5 U.S.C. 511, 514, 516). By act of February 9, 1889 (7 U.S.C. 2202, 2208, 2212), the powers and duties of the Department were enlarged. Two quasi-judicial agencies, The Office of Administrative Law judges and the Board of Contract Appeals, report to the Assistant Secretary. Both organizations operate autonomously when adjudicating cases and deciding contract disputes.

Agriculture decisions is comprised of three parts, each of which is published every six months. Pt.1 alphabetically by statute contains all decisions and orders other than those pertaining to the Packers and Stockyards Act and the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, which are in Pts.2 & 3 respectively.  

Abolished under the provision of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Two additional departments were established: Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

voice: 301-415-7000 Web:  http://www.nrc.gov/

Established under act of June 23, 1938 (52 Stat. 973). Administration transferred to Federal Aviation Agency by act of Aug. 23, 1958 (72 Stat. 810). Functions of the Board under act of Aug. 23, 1958 (72 Stat. 775), transferred to National Transportation Safety Board by act of Oct. 15, 1966 (80 Stat. 931). Functions of the Board were transferred again between 1981 and 1985 to the Transportation Secretary, the remainder to U.S. Postal Service. Termination of the Board finalized by act of Oct. 4, 1984 (98 Stat. 1703).

Copyright Office, Library of Congress, Room LM-401, James Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Avenue S.E., Washington, D.C. 20559.

voice: 202-707-9100; hotline for forms: 202-707-9100

Web:  http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/resces.html

Copyright searches are available at $20.00 an hour.

Since 1870 the Library of Congress has been responsible for copyrights, which are registered by the Copyright Office (acts of July 8, 1870 (16 Stat.212-217), Feb. 19, 1897 (29 Stat. 545), Mar. 4,1909, as codified and amended (35 Stat. 1075), and Oct. 19 1976, as amended and codified (90 Stat. 2541)).

Decisions of the United States courts involving copyright.

The Court of Claims was a special federal court of limited jurisdiction created in 1855 to adjudicate cases involving contractual obligations of the United States.

Established on February 25, 1855 (10 Stat. 62; 28 U.S.C. 171) and its jurisdiction is set forth in 28 U.S.C. 1491-1506.

Abolished by act of Apr. 2, 1982 (96 Stat. 26) and trial jurisdiction transferred to U.S. Claims Court and appellate functions merged with those of U.S. Court of Customs and Patent Appeals to form U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The court has original jurisdiction to render judgement upon any claim against the United States founded upon the Constitution, upon any act of Congress, upon any regulation of an executive department, upon any expressed or implied contracts with the United States.
 

The Court of Customs and Patent Appeals was created by the act of August 5, 1909, with the title "Court of Customs Appeals", and with jurisdiction over appeals from the Board of General Appraisers, now the Customs Court. By the act of March 2, 1929 (45 Stat. 1475), effective April 1, 1929, the court was given jurisdiction over appeals from the Patent Office, and its name was changed to "Court of Customs and Patent Appeals."

It reviews decisions of the Customs Court on classifications and duties upon imported merchandise, decisions of the Patent Office on applications and interferences as to patents and trademarks, and legal questions in the findings of the United States Tariff Commission as to unfair practices in import trade.

Abolished by act of Apr. 2, 1982 (96 Stat. 28) and functions merged with appellate functions of U.S. Court of Claims to form U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

In the Customs Court Act of 1980, Congress created the U.S. Court of International Trade within the judicial branch to deal with cases involving international trade and customs duties. Previously named the U.S. Customs Court, the court has the same powers in law and equity as the district courts. Appeals from this court go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Clerk, U.S. Court of International Trade, One Federal Plaza, N.Y. 10007.

voice: 212-264-2814

The United States Court of Military Appeals was established pursuant to the act approved May 5, 1950 (64 Stat. 129; 10 U.S.C. 867), as the final appellate tribunal in court-martial convictions. Judicially independent, although it operates as a part of the Department of Defense for administrative purposes, the Court is called upon to exercise jurisdiction as to questions of law in all cases (1) affecting a general or flag officer, or extending to death; (2) certified to the Court by the Judge Advocates General of the armed services and by the General Counsel of the Dept. Of Transportation, acting for the Coast Guard; and, (3) petitioned by the accused who have received a sentence of a year or more confinement and/or a punitive discharge. There is no further direct review.

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20229

fax: 202-927-1948; voice: 202-927-6724

local office: 980 S.E. 1st Avenue, Suite 980, Miami, Fl. 33131

Web:   http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/

The fifth act of the first Congress, passed on July 31, 1789 (1 Stat. 29), established customs districts and authorized customs officers to collect duties. The Bureau of Customs was established as a separate agency under the Treasury Department on Mar. 3, 1927 (19 U.S.C. 2071) and, effective Aug. 1, 1973, was redesignated the United States Customs Service by Treasury Department Order 165-23 of April 4, 1973.

The Customs Service collects the revenue from imports and enforces customs and related laws. There are approximately 240 ports of official entry. Miami is one.

voice: 202-208-1900

The Employees' Compensation Appeals Board was established in 1946 as a three-member, quasi-judicial body within the Federal Security Agency in accordance with the provisions of Reorganization Plan no. 19 of 1946, effective July 16, 1946.

1801 L St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20507

Toll Free: 1-800-669-6820

voice: 202-663-4494. Web:  http://www.eeoc.gov/

In Miami: 6th Fl., 1 N.E. 12th St., Miami, Fl. 33132

voice: 305-536-4491

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was created by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 20000e), and became operational July 2, 1965. Executive order 12067 of June 30, 1978 abolished the Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinating Council and trasferred its duties to the Commission.

445 12th St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554

voice: 202-418-0200

Web:  http://www.fcc.gov/

The Federal Communications Commission was created by the Communications Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.; 21 U.S.C.; 47 U.S.C. 35, 151) to regulate interstate and foreign communications by wire and regulatory jurisdiction under the provisions of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. The Commission is composed of five members, who are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the members is designated by the President as Chairman. The Commission is assisted by a General Counsel who, in addition to regular duties, represents the Commission before the U.S. Courts of Appeals.

607 14th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20424-0001

voice: 202-482-6500

Web:  http://www.flra.gov/

Atlanta Office: 404-331-5212

The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), is an independent and neutral agency of the U.S. Government, which administers the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (5 U.S.C. 7101-7135).

Since its creation, the FLRA has provided leardership in administering the Federal sector labor-management relations program. The FLRA establishes policies and provides guidance to both Federal agencies and unions representing Federal employees in the area of labor-management relations. The agency consists of three components: the Authority, the General Counsel and the Federal Service Impasses Panel. The question often arises, Who is covered by the Statute? The Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute applies to employees of most Federal agencies within the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. In addition, employees of the Library of Congress and the Government Printing Office are also covered by the Statute. Exceptions include employees of the General Accounting Office, CIA, FBI, Tennessee Valley Authority and National Security Agency. Employees of the U.S. Postal Service specifically come under the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board.

(For actions prior to 1995 you may call 202-482-6670)

voice: 202-523-5707

Web:  http://www.fmc.gov/

The Federal Maritime Commission was established by Reorganization Plan no. 7 of 1961 (5 U.S.C. app.), effective August 12, 1961. It is an independent agency that regulates shipping. Prior to Aug. 13, 1961 the decisions of both the Federal Maritime Commission and the Maritime Subsidy Board were issued by the Federal Maritime Board.

1730 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C.20006-3867

voice: 202-653-5625; 202-653-5625 fax: 202-653-5030

Web:  http://www.fmshrc.gov/

 The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). That act, enforced by the Secretary of Labor through the Mine Safety and Health Administration, governs compliance with occupational safety and health standards in the Nation's surface and underground coal, metal, and nonmetal mines.

voice: 202-586-5055

Web:  http://www.doe.gov/

Established by act of June 10, 1920 (41 Stat. 1063). Terminated by act of Aug. 4, 1977 (91 Stat. 578), and functions transferred to the Energy Department.

Pennsylvania Ave. At 6th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580

voice: 202-326-2222 (public reference)

Nearest office: Suite 5M35, 60 Forsyth St. Atlanta, Ga. 30367

Web:  http://www.ftc.gov/

The Federal Trade Commission was organized as an independent administrative agency in 1914. The Commission is composed of 5 members, each member appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate for a term of 7 years. One Commissioner is designated by the President as Chairman of the Commission and is responsible for its administrative management.

The objective of the Federal Trade Commission is to maintain competitive enterprise as the keystone of the American economic system, to prevent the free enterprise system from being fettered by monopoly or restraints on trade or corrupted by unfair or deceptive trade practices.

441 G St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20548

voice: 202-512-3000

Web:  http://www.gao.gov/

The General Accounting Office is the investigative arm of Congress and is charged with examining all matters relating to the receipt and disbursement of public funds.

GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to independently audit Government agencies. GAO is under the control and direction of the Comptroller General of the U.S.

The office provides various legal services to the Congress such as advice, assistance in drafting legislation, and reviews legislative proposals before the congress, resolves bid protests that challenge Government contract awards and adjudicates claims for and against the government.

Please note that the published Decisions in full text represent only 10% of the total decisions rendered annually. Criteria for the selection is based on precedent and types of issues involved, or if it over rules findings of prior published decisions.

The Law Library subscribes to GAO documents on fiche. See Cabinet 30 for full decisions and reports.

1849 C St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240

voice: 202-208-3171, or 3100

fax: 202-208-6956

Web:   http://www.doi.gov/iga/insidedoi.htm

The Department of the Interior was created by act of March 3, 1849.

Web:  http://www.usdoj.gov/

The affairs and activities of the Department of Justice are generally directed by the Attorney General. As the largest law firm in the Nation, DOJ serves as counsel for its citizens. It represents them in enforcing the law in the public interest. The DOJ was established by act of June 22, 1870 (28 U.S.C. 501, 503) with the Attorney General as its head. Prior to 1870 the Attorney General was a member of the President's Cabinet, but not the head of a department, the office having been created under authority of act of September 24, 1789, as amended (28 U.S.C. 503).

Opinion of the Attorney General of the United States. (1975-1978). United States. Attorney-General. v.43 #5-28.

Web:  http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/eoir/

The Board of Immigration Appeals is a quasi-judicial body composed of a Chairman, four members, and a Chief Attorney-Examiner, who is also an alternate Board member. The Board has been given nation wide jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions entered by District Directors of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and by Immigration Judges.

Office of Administrative Law Judges. voice: 202-565-5330

Web:  http://www.dol.gov/

The Office of Administrative Law Judges preside over formal hearings to determine violations of minimum wage requirements, overtime payments, compensation benefits, employee discrimination, grant performance, alien certification, employee protection, and health and safety regulations set forth under numerous statutes, executive orders, and regulations. With few exceptions, hearings are required to be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. note prec. 551).

Web:  http://www.mspb.gov/

Toll Free: 1-800-209-8960

The Merit Systems Protection Board is a successor agency to the United States Civil Service Commission, established by act of Jan. 16, 1883 (22 Stat. 403). Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1978 (5 U.S.C. app.), effective Jan. 1, 1979, pursuant to Executive Order 12107 of Dec. 28, 1978, redesignated part of the Commission as the Merit Systems Protection Board. The Board's duties and authority are specified in 5 U.S.C. 1201-1206.

1099 14th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20570

Information: 202-273-1991 The Library: 202-273-3720

fax: 202-273-1000

Web:  http://www.nlrb.gov/

Region 12, local office is: Hector O. Nava, Rm 1320 51 SW, 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33130-1608 (Resident Office)

The National Labor Relations Board established in 1935 is an independent Federal Agency established to enforce the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRA forbids employers from interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of rights relating to organizing, forming, joining, or assisting a labor organization for collective bargaining purposes, or engaging in concerted activities, or refraining from any such activity. Similarly, labor organizations may not restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of these rights. The NLRB has protected the public interest by promoting industrial peace. It accomplishes its objectives by encouraging collective bargaining.

490 E. L'Enfant Plaza S.W., Washington, D.C. 20954

voice: 202-314-6000

Web:  http://ntsb.gov/

Local office: Suite B-103, 8405 N.W. 53rd St., Miami, FL 3316

Act of Jan. 3, 1975 (88 Stat. 2156) established independent National Transportation Safety Board. The Safety Board consists of five Board members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for 5-year terms.

The National Transportation Safety Board seeks to assure that all types of transportation in the United States are conducted safely.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, One White Flint North 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md.

voice: 301-415-7000

Web:  http://www.nrc.gov/

The NRC was established as an independent regulatory agency under the provisions of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, effective Jan. 19, 1975. Transferred to the Commission were all licensing and related regulatory functions formerly assigned to the Atomic Energy Commission, which was established by the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 755), as amended by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).

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1120 20th St. N.W., One Lafayette Centre, Washington, D.C. 20036-3419

voice: 202-606-5390, or 5100 fax: 202-606-5050

Web:  http://www.oshrc.gov/

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651-678). The Commission is charged with ruling on cases forwarded to it by the Department of Labor when disagreements arise over the results of safety and health inspections performed by the Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Act covers virtually every employer in the country.

Patent and Trademark Office, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Va. 22202

voice: 703-305-8341

Web:  http://www.uspto.gov

The patent system was established by Congress under Article I. Section 8, U.S. Constitution (title 35, United States Code: Patents). For Patent and Trademark Office Statement of organization, see the Federal Register of April 14, 1975, (40 FR 165707). Among the duties are: participates in legal proceedings involving the issue of patents or registration of trademarks; hears and decides appeals from prospective inventors and trademark applicants; and, maintains a roster of patent agents and attorneys qualified and recognized to practice before the office.

450 5th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549

voice: 202-942-4150

Web:  http://www.sec.gov/

The SEC was created in 1934 under the authority of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a-78jj). The Commission serves as adviser to United States district courts in proceedings for debtor corporations in which there is a substantial public interest.

The Commission is vested with quasi-judicial functions. Persons aggrieved by its decisions in the exercise of those functions have a right of review by the United States Courts of Appeals (Federal).

Although the SEC administers federal securities laws the issuers of securities making public offerings must file financial and other pertinent data with the SEC. This information is available in SEC public reading rooms and through private vendors. It is also available through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR) electronic filing system.

Department of Health and Human Services, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, Md. 21235

voice: 410-965-1234

Web:   http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

for "rulings letters"  http://www.ssa.gov/

For the Social Security Administration statement of organization see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 20, part 422.

SSR's are published under the authority of the Comissioner of Social Security and are precedential decisions relating to Federal old-age, survivors, disability, supplemental security income, and black lung benefits programs. Rulings are based on case decisions made at all administrative levels of adjudication, Federal court decisions, Commissioner's decisions, opinions of the Office of the General Counsel and other policy interpretations of the law and regulations. Rulings are effective upon publication, and the effective date is shown on the first page of each ruling.

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220

voice: 202-622-2000

United States Customs Service

voice: 202-927-2095

Web:   http://www.treas.gov/

The fifth act of the first Congress, passed on July 31, 1789 (1 Stat. 29), established customs districts and authorized customs officers to collect duties on goods, wares, and merchandise imposed by the second act of the first Congress, dated July 4, 1789 (1 Stat. 24). The Bureau of Customs was established as a separate agency under the Treasury Department on Mar. 3, 1927 (19 U.S.C. 2071) and effective Aug. 1, 1973, was redesignated the United States Customs Service by Treasury Department Order 165-23 of April 4, 1973.

Board of Veterans' Appeals Decisions
VA 1.95/2:

Board of Veterans' Appeals...decisions  [Computer File, CD-ROM, available in the Government Documents Office] 1993+

This Bibliography was prepared by Sarah Tabor, Government Documents/Document Delivery Librarian. Call 954-262-6201 for reference assistance.