How can I get help with case law research?
Answer
For the purpose of legal research the term "case law” refers to opinions written by judges, usually on the appellate level, which resolve litigated disputes. In deciding cases, appellate judges base their reasoning on mandatory and persuasive legal authority, such as statutes, regulations, and previously decided cases. Researchers can learn about the judicial process, research strategies, and sources for federal and state case law in Chapter 7 of the TMLL Guide to Legal Research, Case Law Research. This chapter includes the following sections:
- Case Law: Background
- Court Hierarchies and the Appellate Process
- Print Sources for Case Law Research
- Electronic Sources for Case Law Research
- Citators: Function and Formats
- Print Citators
- Electronic Citators
- Citation Format for Cases
- Highlights of Bluebook Form for Cases
For a research consultation or for more information, please contact the library.