Resources such as a dictionary or a thesaurus help to clarify and define terms and concepts that are sometimes unclear to new legal professionals. During the research process, look up terms you encounter to verify that your interpretation of the word is correct. Sometimes the legal definition of a term can differ significantly from its usage within everyday communication.

Legal encyclopedias provide background information and context to different practice areas and types of law. Often organized by topic or subject, they can be a convenient access point for researchers approaching a topic for the first time. 

Federal

State

A digest is a large compilation of case law summaries, which are initially categorized into fairly broad topics, then subcategorized again into much more specific topics. They are updated with pocket parts and supplementary pamphlets. To find California cases use:

A case published in a West reporter has five components:

1. The heading containing the parallel citation (if any) to an official reporter, the case name, the court that rendered the decision and the date of the decision.
2.  A synopsis of the decision written by case editors, not by the court.
3. One or more paragraphs summarizing the key points within the decision.
4. The names of the attorneys who represented the parties and the judge or judges who decided the case.
5. The opinion of the court.

Forms

For all types of law, legal forms are the basis for various actions and processes in the lifecycle of a case. Form books provide examples of these forms, which can be modified and used by legal professionals. Most form books likewise reference the laws associated with the documents, and so act as another helpful reference resource.

Jury Instructions

Jury instructions guide the deliberation process at the end of a trial. They include various steps and laws that a jury must take into account when determining an outcome. Being aware of these instructions can be incredibly helpful for legal professionals outlining their overall strategy for a case and the desired outcome.  

Practice guides can provide practical guidance on the steps and procedures involved with one area of the law. One of the most well-known and trusted practice guides publishers is the Rutter Group. You can access the entire Rutter Group library on Westlaw with your student subscription.

• Civil Procedure Before Trial 

• Civil Trials and Evidence 

• Enforcing Judgments and Debts