Support for direct access to FRE, FRCP, FRAP, etc.

[lslalbai]

While it's possible to get to FRE 101 with /uscode/28/101?type=uscappendix, it's not clear how to get to FRCP 12 because /uscode/28/12?type=uscappendix yields FRAP 12.

It would be handy to have dedicated endpoints for FRE, FRAP, FRCP such as /fre/101, /frap/12, /frcp/12.

[lslalbai]

Hi, any feedback on this? Until we can use the govinfo.gov/link approach to get these rules, we're directly parsing the Appendix at uscode.house.gov, but that's a bit clunky. Would much rather have direct links if possible, but see issue above.

[jonquandt]

@lslalbai - apologies for missing this one. To confirm:

• FRE = Federal Rules of Evidence - link
• FRAP = Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure - link
• FRCP = Federal Rules of Civil Procedure - link

I am looking at options for this, as they are not easily citeable for link service in their current state. My short-term recommendation would be to use the detail link for each of the top level granules, which will indicate that these are the latest version or if there is a new one.

[lslalbai]

@jonquandt Sorry to take so long to respond. Yes, those are the relevant appendices for the 2023 edition.

[HACKER007-SHIP-IT]

https://github.com/HACKEROPZIJNKLOTEN/aws-cdk-sample-import-with-sdk/new/main?filename=.github%2Fworkflows%2Fcodeql.yml&workflow_template=code-scanning%2Fcodeql

[lslalbai]

@jonquandt Would it be possible to add the type parameter to the title endpoint, thus? /uscode/28?type=uscappendix?

[lslalbai]

Is the code for the linkservice available?

[jonquandt]

@jonquandt Would it be possible to add the type parameter to the title endpoint, thus? /uscode/28?type=uscappendix?

So that I understand the goal, would a request like that be intended to go to just the top-level Federal Rules of Appellate procedure? (changing based on link-type):

PDF: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title28/pdf/USCODE-2024-title28-app.pdf
Details: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2024-title28/USCODE-2024-title28-app

A challenge is that the Link Service is setup to return a specific single result based on the request. I'm looking at means to obviously return only that top section, which would require some changes.

Currently, doing a search for Appendix items within 28 U.S.C returns ~250 results

Is the code for the linkservice available?
We do not make our source code available. You can access the Open API/swagger specification json here

Use Case

Could you help me understand your use case a bit more?

Generally, the link service is intended more for users that want to view the latest specific version of a citable resource, rather than for scripted approaches to process, which is a better fit for the API

You mention parsing the U.S. Code information. What specific formats are you looking at, and have you considered using the GovInfo API to access this information on an ongoing basis? In this approach, you would search for a set of USCODE content, like the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and then process individual items. Here's an example curl for something like this using the accessid for the top-level appendix (without specifying year):

curl -X 'POST' \
  'https://api.govinfo.gov/search' \
  -H 'accept: application/json' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -H 'X-API-KEY: DEMO_KEY' \
  -d '{
  "query": "accessid:title28-app-federalru",
  "pageSize": 10,
  "offsetMark": "*",
  "sorts": [
    {
      "field": "relevancy",
      "sortOrder": "DESC"
    }
  ],
  "historical": false,
  "resultLevel": "default"
}'

this is the same query that you could enter into the [GovInfo API documentation](https://api.govinfo.gov/docs) that you could use to see the results.

```json
{
  "query": "accessid:title28-app-federalru",
  "pageSize": 10,
  "offsetMark": "*",
  "sorts": [
    {
      "field": "relevancy",
      "sortOrder": "DESC"
    }
  ],
  "historical": false,
  "resultLevel": "default"
}

[jonquandt]

Quick update. For the Federal Rules of Appellate procedure, does this endpoint not work for you?

[ 'https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/2?type=uscappendix' ](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/2?type=uscappendix&link-type=html)

This should return the latest FRAP 2 in HTML form.
changing the number between 28/ and the ? will return different FRAPs

FRAP example links

- [FRAP 1](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/1?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 2](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/2?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 3](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/3?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 4](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/4?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 5](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/5?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 6](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/6?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 7](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/7?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 8](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/8?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 9](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/9?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 10](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/10?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 11](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/11?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 12](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/12?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 13](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/13?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 14](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/14?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 15](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/15?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 16](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/16?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 17](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/17?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 18](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/18?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 19](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/19?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 20](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/20?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 21](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/21?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 22](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/22?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 23](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/23?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 24](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/24?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 25](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/25?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 26](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/26?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 27](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/27?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 28](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/28?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 29](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/29?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 30](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/30?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 31](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/31?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 32](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/32?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 33](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/33?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 34](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/34?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 35](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/35?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 36](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/36?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 37](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/37?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 38](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/38?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 39](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/39?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 40](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/40?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 41](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/41?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 42](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/42?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 43](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/43?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 44](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/44?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 45](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/45?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 46](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/46?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 47](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/47?type=uscappendix&link-type=html) - [FRAP 48](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/48?type=uscappendix&link-type=html)

This should also support numbered subrules, like

• FRAP 12.1

If that works, then something similar could apply to the Federal Rules of Evidence:

Federal Rules of Evidence Example links

ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

• Rule 101. Scope; Definitions
• Rule 102. Purpose
• Rule 103. Rulings on Evidence
• Rule 104. Preliminary Questions
• Rule 105. Limiting Evidence That Is Not Admissible Against Other Parties or for Other Purposes
• Rule 106. Remainder of or Related Statements
• Rule 107. Illustrative Aids

ARTICLE II. JUDICIAL NOTICE

• Rule 201. Judicial Notice of Adjudicative Facts

ARTICLE III. PRESUMPTIONS IN CIVIL CASES

• Rule 301. Presumptions in Civil Cases Generally
• Rule 302. Applying State Law to Presumptions in Civil Cases

ARTICLE IV. RELEVANCE AND ITS LIMITS

• Rule 401. Test for Relevant Evidence
• Rule 402. General Admissibility of Relevant Evidence
• Rule 403. Excluding Relevant Evidence for Prejudice, Confusion, Waste of Time, or Other Reasons
• Rule 404. Character Evidence; Other Crimes, Wrongs, or Acts
• Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character
• Rule 406. Habit; Routine Practice
• Rule 407. Subsequent Remedial Measures
• Rule 408. Compromise Offers and Negotiations
• Rule 409. Offers to Pay Medical and Similar Expenses
• Rule 410. Pleas, Plea Discussions, and Related Statements
• Rule 411. Liability Insurance
• Rule 412. Sex-Offense Cases: The Victim’s Sexual Behavior or Predisposition
• Rule 413. Similar Crimes in Sexual-Assault Cases
• Rule 414. Similar Crimes in Child Molestation Cases
• Rule 415. Similar Acts in Civil Cases Involving Sexual Assault or Child Molestation

ARTICLE V. PRIVILEGES

• Rule 501. Privilege in General
• Rule 502. Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product; Limitations on Waiver

ARTICLE VI. WITNESSES

• Rule 601. Competency to Testify in General
• Rule 602. Need for Personal Knowledge
• Rule 603. Oath or Affirmation to Testify Truthfully
• Rule 604. Interpreter
• Rule 605. Judge’s Competency as a Witness
• Rule 606. Juror’s Competency as a Witness
• Rule 607. Who May Impeach a Witness
• Rule 608. A Witness’s Character for Truthfulness or Untruthfulness
• Rule 609. Impeachment by Evidence of a Criminal Conviction
• Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions
• Rule 611. Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting Evidence
• Rule 612. Writing Used to Refresh a Witness’s Memory
• Rule 613. Witness’s Prior Statement
• Rule 614. Court’s Calling or Examining a Witness
• Rule 615. Excluding Witnesses from the Courtroom; Preventing an Excluded Witness's Access to Trial Testimony

ARTICLE VII. OPINIONS AND EXPERT TESTIMONY

• Rule 701. Opinion Testimony by Lay Witnesses
• Rule 702. Testimony by Expert Witnesses
• Rule 703. Bases of an Expert’s Opinion Testimony
• Rule 704. Opinion on an Ultimate Issue
• Rule 705. Disclosing the Facts or Data Underlying an Expert’s Opinion
• Rule 706. Court-Appointed Expert Witnesses

ARTICLE VIII. HEARSAY

• Rule 801. Definitions That Apply to This Article; Exclusions from Hearsay
• Rule 802. The Rule Against Hearsay
• Rule 803. Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay — Regardless of Whether the Declarant Is Available as a Witness
• Rule 804. Hearsay Exceptions; Declarant Unavailable
• Rule 805. Hearsay Within Hearsay
• Rule 806. Attacking and Supporting the Declarant’s Credibility
• Rule 807. Residual Exception

ARTICLE IX. AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

• Rule 901. Authenticating or Identifying Evidence
• Rule 902. Evidence That Is Self-Authenticating
• Rule 903. Subscribing Witness’s Testimony

ARTICLE X. CONTENTS OF WRITINGS, RECORDINGS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS

• Rule 1001. Definitions That Apply to This Article
• Rule 1002. Requirement of the Original
• Rule 1003. Admissibility of Duplicates
• Rule 1004. Admissibility of Other Evidence of Content
• Rule 1005. Copies of Public Records to Prove Content
• Rule 1006. Summaries to Prove Content
• Rule 1007. Testimony or Statement of a Party to Prove Content
• Rule 1008. Functions of the Court and Jury

ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS RULES

• Rule 1101. Applicability of the Rules
• Rule 1102. Amendments
• Rule 1103. Title

[lslalbai]

You ask:

For the Federal Rules of Appellate procedure, does this endpoint not work for you?

[ 'https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/2?type=uscappendix' ](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/28/2?type=uscappendix&link-type=html)

The original question pointed out that it's not clear how to get to FRCP 12 because /uscode/28/12?type=uscappendix yields FRAP 12, not FRCP 12.

You give examples above of the query using accessid: - but I can't see where those are documented or listed? You give the example for FRCP, but where can you find the accessid: identifiers for FRE (rules of evidence) and FRAP (rules of appellate procedure)? They aren't apparently returned by a /search request, but I'm probably missing something.

[jonquandt]

Need a facepalm emoji. Sorry about that.

accessid is somewhat of a generic search field that searches against both packageid and granuleid.

Doing a bit of poking around in the web interface, here are the top-level USCODE granule ids for those sections (the links go to the latest details page for those top-level sections):

FRAP: title28-app-federalru
FRCP: title28-app-federalru-dup1
FRE: title28-app-federalru-dup2

the dup is used when our parsing detects that the access id would be "duplicated" with another section - in this case, the FRCP and FRE appear to be duplicates of FRE based on the source information.

I am adding this to our backlog to investigate that further to see if this can be disambiguated to make it easier to reference via the link service.

[lslalbai]

By experimentation, I'm guessing at these accessids:

• FRAP: "title28-app-federalru"
• FRCP: "title28-app-federalru-dup1" (why dup1?)
• FRE: "title28-app-federalru-dup2" (why dup2?)

Are these accessids stable across publications/years? Will they always be true year to year?

[jonquandt]

@lslalbai - that's correct. The parsing of this complex content is not always fool-proof, and this looks like a good use case for us to do deeper analysis to see if we can improve it.