Finding and using legal resources effectively is an essential skill for lawyers. This comprehensive but succinct guide covers research procedures using major online services, free Internet resources, and library materials. The most heavily used commercial databases and authoritative, free online sources are discussed and placed in context for effective and productive use in research. Discussion includes coverage of primary and secondary legal resources, as well as legislative history, administrative law, specialized and interdisciplinary resources, and research in international and comparative law. Appendices list state research guides and leading treatises by subject.


Imprint: West Academic Publishing
Series: Nutshells
Publication Date: 05/21/2024

Kent C. Olson, University of Virginia School of Law

Kurt X. Metzmeier, University of Louisville School of Law

Michael Whiteman, University of Cincinnati College of Law

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  • The 15th edition of the Nutshell brings this valuable resource more fully into the electronic age of legal research.
  • Heavier emphasis is placed on using online resources, including effective searching, and when to use a commercial database versus an authoritative, free online resource.
  • References to online sources has been completely updated, pointing users to some of the newer online sources that have emerged over the last several years.

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