1. Primary Legal Sources:
* Statutes (e.g., Model Business Corporation Act (MBCA)): Each state (in the US) has its own corporation statute. The MBCA is a widely adopted model, influencing many state laws, but it's crucial to check your specific state's statutes as they may differ. These statutes are usually available online through the state's legislative website or through commercial legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis.
* Case Law (Court Decisions): Court decisions interpreting and applying corporation statutes are essential. These are found in reporters and legal databases.
* Administrative Regulations: Some aspects of corporation law are regulated by administrative agencies, and their rules and regulations are also binding.
2. Secondary Legal Sources:
* Legal Treatises and Textbooks: These offer in-depth analysis of corporation law principles. Look for titles focusing on business associations, corporations, or corporate law.
* Legal Encyclopedias: These provide concise summaries of legal topics, including corporation law. Examples include American Jurisprudence 2d (Am. Jur. 2d) and Corpus Juris Secundum (C.J.S.).
* Legal Journals and Articles: Scholarly articles and law review articles often address specific issues within corporation law. These can be found through legal databases.
* Legal News and Commentary: Publications like the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Law, and Reuters often cover developments in corporation law.
3. Online Resources:
* State Government Websites: The website of the relevant state's Secretary of State or equivalent office often contains information on corporation formation and compliance requirements.
* Commercial Legal Databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis): These databases offer comprehensive access to statutes, case law, secondary sources, and legal news. (These are usually subscription-based and expensive).
* Free Legal Resources (with limitations): Some websites like Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII) offer free access to some legal materials, but their coverage may be limited.
To find information, you need to be specific:
* Jurisdiction: State or country where the corporation is or will be incorporated is crucial. Corporation law varies significantly by jurisdiction.
* Specific Topic: Are you interested in formation, governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities regulations, or something else?
Remember that corporation law is complex and constantly evolving. If you need legal advice, consult with a qualified attorney specializing in corporate law. Don't rely solely on online information for legal matters.