Bankruptcy Research Guide

This Guide is intended to assist researchers interested in studying bankruptcy law.  The pages herein provide suggestions for resources to locate relevant case law, statutes, rules, legislative history, and databases. The guide includes both free resources and, where indicated, resources only available to the UC or UC Law School community.

Filing bankruptcy can help a person by discarding debt or making a plan to repay debts. A bankruptcy case normally begins when the debtor files a petition with the bankruptcy court. A petition may be filed by an individual, by spouses together, or by a corporation or other entity.   

All bankruptcy cases are handled in federal courts under rules outlined in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

There are different types of bankruptcies, which are usually referred to by their chapter in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

• Individuals may file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, depending on the specifics of their situation.
• Municipalities—cities, towns, villages, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts may file under Chapter 9 to reorganize.
• Businesses may file bankruptcy under Chapter 7 to liquidate or Chapter 11 to reorganize.
• Chapter 12 provides debt relief to family farmers and fishermen.
• Bankruptcy filings that involve parties from more than one country are filed under Chapter 15.

Bankruptcy Basics provides detailed information about filing.