When you're using legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, there are lots of helpful resources available to university students. However, it might be a bit tricky at first. Based on my experiences and what I’ve seen on campus, here are some easy tips to help you with your research.
Before you start your research, take a few minutes to learn the basics of each platform. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis have simple tutorials and quick guides. These will help you understand important features, like case law (which is past court decisions), statutes (laws), secondary sources (like textbooks), and legal news.
Don’t just use basic search options; try the advanced ones too. For example, you can use Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT to get better search results. You can also use quotation marks for exact phrases or symbols like the asterisk (*) to include different endings of words when you search.
After you run a search, use the filtering tools to sort through what you find. You can filter by date, type of document, or where the law applies. This will help you find the most relevant information. It's also smart to keep track of your best finds by creating folders or using bookmarks to save time later when you need to create your citations.
Both Westlaw and LexisNexis have tools called citators (KeyCite in Westlaw and Shepard’s in LexisNexis) that help you check if cases or laws are still valid. This is really important because it can save you trouble if your sources are outdated.
When you’re feeling stuck or need more background information, look at secondary sources like legal encyclopedias, textbooks, and law review articles. These can give you useful context and help you build a solid understanding of the topics you're exploring.
Make sure to keep your research notes and findings tidy. Using citation management software like Zotero or EndNote can help you write your papers more easily and make sure you don’t lose important sources.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help! Many universities have research assistants or legal research classes in their libraries. Plus, librarians are usually knowledgeable about these databases and can guide you through challenging parts.
Getting the most out of Westlaw and LexisNexis is all about having a smart approach. With some practice and the right tools, you’ll find that using these databases will get easier. Soon, your legal research assignments will feel like a breeze. Happy researching!
When you're using legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, there are lots of helpful resources available to university students. However, it might be a bit tricky at first. Based on my experiences and what I’ve seen on campus, here are some easy tips to help you with your research.
Before you start your research, take a few minutes to learn the basics of each platform. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis have simple tutorials and quick guides. These will help you understand important features, like case law (which is past court decisions), statutes (laws), secondary sources (like textbooks), and legal news.
Don’t just use basic search options; try the advanced ones too. For example, you can use Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT to get better search results. You can also use quotation marks for exact phrases or symbols like the asterisk (*) to include different endings of words when you search.
After you run a search, use the filtering tools to sort through what you find. You can filter by date, type of document, or where the law applies. This will help you find the most relevant information. It's also smart to keep track of your best finds by creating folders or using bookmarks to save time later when you need to create your citations.
Both Westlaw and LexisNexis have tools called citators (KeyCite in Westlaw and Shepard’s in LexisNexis) that help you check if cases or laws are still valid. This is really important because it can save you trouble if your sources are outdated.
When you’re feeling stuck or need more background information, look at secondary sources like legal encyclopedias, textbooks, and law review articles. These can give you useful context and help you build a solid understanding of the topics you're exploring.
Make sure to keep your research notes and findings tidy. Using citation management software like Zotero or EndNote can help you write your papers more easily and make sure you don’t lose important sources.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help! Many universities have research assistants or legal research classes in their libraries. Plus, librarians are usually knowledgeable about these databases and can guide you through challenging parts.
Getting the most out of Westlaw and LexisNexis is all about having a smart approach. With some practice and the right tools, you’ll find that using these databases will get easier. Soon, your legal research assignments will feel like a breeze. Happy researching!