Construction law is a general reference to various areas of law as applied to the design, engineering, and construction of buildings—including residential buildings and commercial buildings—as well as bridges, roads, pipelines, railroads, water transmission and distribution systems, electrical power transmission systems, sewerage systems, and other structures.

In addition to the law governing the filing and removal of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens (also known as contractor liens), construction law includes contract law, employment law, personal injury law, insurance law, zoning law, and real estate law.

In Arkansas, construction law encompasses a wide range of legal areas as they relate to the construction industry. This includes the creation and enforcement of contracts, which are essential for defining the terms and conditions of construction projects. Arkansas has specific statutes governing mechanic's and materialmen's liens, which are legal claims made by contractors and suppliers for payment for work performed or materials provided. These liens must be filed and removed in accordance with state law, particularly under the Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 44. Employment law is also a key component, covering worker safety, wages, and other employment-related issues. Personal injury law comes into play when there are accidents or injuries on construction sites. Insurance law is relevant for the various types of insurance required in construction projects, such as liability and workers' compensation insurance. Additionally, zoning and real estate laws impact where and how structures can be built, and these are governed by both state statutes and local ordinances. Each of these areas of law works together to regulate the construction industry, ensuring legal compliance and protecting the interests of all parties involved.