How to find public general acts
This guide explains how to find public general acts in our library.
Locations of public general acts
Official Series
This is the official definitive text of statutes on the date they received royal assent and is published by the Stationery Office (TSO).
It's in library bay 168.
legislation.gov.uk
The original text (as enacted) and revised versions of legislation are available at legislation.gov.uk.
The revised versions are not always up to date so always check the “Changes to legislation” note at the beginning of each section.
Coverage is complete from 1988.
Halsbury's Statutes
This is arranged in subject order, setting out the text of statutes in force as amended at the date the volume went to press. It includes annotations.
It's in library bays 61 to 62.
Current Law Statutes Annotated
Beginning in 1948, Current Law Statutes Annotated contains the text of statutes as originally printed together with annotations including references to parliamentary debates.
It's in library bay E.
Textbooks
Many specialist texts, particularly looseleafs, set out the text of statutes updated to the date the book went to press, including annotations.
Subscription services
LexisLibrary, Westlaw UK and JustisOne are available in the library. Ask staff for access.
LexisLibrary
LexisLibrary is an online subscription service which provides updated versions of statutes in force.
Westlaw UK
Westlaw UK is an online subscription service which provides updated versions of statutes in force. It also contains historic versions of acts since 1991.
JustisOne
JustisOne is an online subscription service which provides the original official full text of most acts since 1235.
Amendments, repeals and annotations are not included, although there are cross-references to amendments and repeals with links to JustisOne.
Finding updated statutes
Halsbury's Statutes
Use the separate consolidated index to find the act in either the main volumes or the looseleaf Current Statutes Service. Amendments and repeals are shown as at the date the volume went to press.
You can further update the information by looking in:
- the annual Cumulative Supplement
- the looseleaf Noter-Up in library bay 61
Current Law Statutes Annotated
Beginning in 1947, Current Law Statutes Annotated lists statutes and notes amendments and repeals. Use the volume which contains the year you are starting from and all subsequent volumes.
It's in library bay E.
Chronological Table of Statutes
The Chronological Table of Statutes lists every statute passed since 1225, noting repeals and amendments. It's in library bay N7. Ask library staff to access old editions.
While this is authoritative, it’s not up to date. Repealed acts are only shown as repealed and do not show amendments made before the date of repeal.
Subscription services
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK provide updated versions of public statutes.
Is it in force?
Is it in force? is a single volume at the end of Halsbury’s Statutes in library bay 61, which lists all acts alphabetically by year from 1960, showing details of commencement.
Information is updated in Halsbury's Statutes and the looseleaf Noter-Up.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
- LexisLibrary – see note at the end of each section
- Westlaw UK – select Legislative Analysis
Halsbury's Statutes
Use the separate Consolidated Index to find the relevant legislation.
It's in library bay 61.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
Sections in both can be used to find statutes on a subject:
- LexisLibrary – in Commentary and Current Awareness
- Westlaw UK – in Legal Journals and Current Awareness
Westlaw UK contains abstracts and subject keywords. This can be useful for finding recent statutes on particular subjects.
Textbooks
Textbooks and looseleafs covering the relevant subject area can be used to find statutes on a subject.
Halsbury's Statutes
The annotations often refer to relevant cases. It's in library bay 61.
Current Law Legislation Citator
Use the volume which contains the year in question and all subsequent volumes.
This is in library bay E.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
Find the relevant section of the statute and select:
- in LexisLibrary, Related Cases
- in Westlaw UK, Legislative Analysis
Halsbury's Statutes
The annotations often refer to orders made under a section of an act.
It's in library bays 61 and 62.
Current Law Legislation Citator
Use the volume which contains the relevant statute and all subsequent volumes.
It's in library bay F.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
Find the relevant section of the statute:
- in LexisLibrary, the information is in a note at the end of the section
- in Westlaw UK, select Legislative Analysis