I see this when reading certain law cases - what is this called §?

Question

Also, how can I type this character § in Word?

Answer 1

In word, go to
Insert
then Symbol

you can also create a shortcut for the key such as "Ctrl =" if you like

In legal citation this is the section symbol

it is used for statutes

42 USC §1983 would mean chapter 42 of the United States Code Section 1983

Answer 2

It is called a section sign. Click on "insert", click on "symbol" go to that symbol and insert it.