All superheros within the United States are subject to the laws of the federal government and the Constitution. Additionally state and local laws apply to crimefighters who avail themselves of the benefits and protection of a particular forum.

With amazing powers and secret hideouts, which local laws apply to which superhero? In general crime fighters are tied to the city they protect. The location of most superhero can be narrowed down to a particular city frequented by a costumed crusader. Spiderman and Daredevil patrol New York and the X-Men attend school in Massachusettes, but what about heroes found in fictional jurisdictions? While cities like Gotham and Metropolis appear to be strongly based on New York writers over the years have taken liberties with the local laws to suit individual plot lines and situations.

This page is an attempt to piece together the municipal codes of two fictional jurisdictions, Gotham and Metropolis, the homes of Batman and Superman, respectively, based on references to laws in comics, movies, and TV shows. If you are aware of a law portrayed in either of these venues, please let us know.