Which of the following statements about the United States Code Annotated is correct?

The United States Code Annotated (USCA) is not an official code; it is a commercially published version of the United States Code (U.S.C.) that includes annotations, such as case law interpretations and legal commentary. This provides users with additional context and tools for understanding the application of the laws.

In contrast, the U.S.C. itself is the official compilation of federal laws. Many practitioners prefer using the USCA because of these annotations that help illuminate how laws have been applied in practice, making it a valuable resource in legal research and writing.

The idea that the USCA is used solely for educational purposes is a misunderstanding of its purpose. While it can certainly be utilized in educational settings, it is also extensively used by legal practitioners in daily practice. Additionally, while the USCA incorporates only federal laws, it is not limited to that; it also includes references to state law annotations, which further informs its use. Thus, recognizing that it is not an official code captures its distinct nature as a helpful legal tool without official status.