When law students look for legal research tools, platforms like Westlaw and LexisNexis are popular choices. It's important to know what each one offers so that students can do their research well.
Westlaw
Westlaw is made by Thomson Reuters. It has a huge collection of case laws, statutes (laws), codes, and other helpful resources.
One of its great features is an easy-to-use search bar. This lets students type questions in plain English, which is perfect for those who are still learning legal terms. Westlaw also has advanced search options. For example, students can search by citation or use something called KeyNumbers to find relevant legal principles fast. Additionally, Westlaw has a tool called WestSearch, which uses special technology to deliver the best search results based on what users ask.
LexisNexis
LexisNexis has been around for a long time and is well-known in the legal world. It provides a great archive of case law and has many legal publications. This platform is particularly useful for research needing historical information.
LexisNexis has its own powerful search engine. This allows researchers to add more context to their searches. It also offers a feature called Lexis Answers. This uses artificial intelligence to help provide answers to legal questions, making the research experience more interactive.
User Experience
Both platforms have user-friendly dashboards, but they look different. Westlaw has a modern design that makes it easy to navigate. LexisNexis has a more classic look, which might be comforting for those who are used to it. For students new to legal research, knowing how to use each platform can make a big difference in how easily they find information.
Mobile Access
Having mobile access is also important. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis offer apps for mobile devices. Westlaw's app is very responsive, allowing students to search, read cases, and check citations anytime, anywhere. This is handy for students who juggle classes and other responsibilities. LexisNexis also has mobile features, but some users find its app less efficient than Westlaw’s.
Costs
The cost of using these databases is something to think about as well. Usually, students need a subscription to access Westlaw and LexisNexis, which can be expensive. Fortunately, many law schools offer free or discounted access to these tools. This helps students use the databases without a financial burden. Additionally, both platforms offer training resources made for law students, which help them learn to use these tools effectively.
Secondary Sources
When it comes to additional resources, both databases perform well but in different ways. Westlaw includes legal encyclopedias, practice guides, and law review articles. These help provide context to the laws being studied. The notes that come with cases and statutes help students see how laws have changed over time. LexisNexis offers similar resources but focuses more on current legal news updates, which is key since the law is always changing.
Validating Sources
Another important feature for both platforms is the ability to check citations. Westlaw has a citation tool built right into its research functions. This helps students quickly see if their sources are reliable and up-to-date. LexisNexis also offers citation checking, but some users mention it can be slower.
Practical Skills Training
Modern legal education emphasizes hands-on skills alongside traditional learning. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis support this. Westlaw Edge includes AI tools that suggest relevant cases and legal sources based on what students are researching. This cutting-edge technology prepares them for today’s legal field. Similarly, LexisNexis has tools like Lexis Analytics, which helps students identify trends in case law that can aid their arguments.
Both platforms continually update their databases to reflect new legal trends and needs. Staying current is crucial for law students, and Westlaw and LexisNexis help with regular updates and training sessions.
Choosing the Right Tool
The choice between Westlaw and LexisNexis may also depend on what specific law topics students are studying and their school's preferences. Some schools might favor one platform over the other and provide extra training for that choice. So, it's a good idea for students to talk to their teachers or librarians about which tool might be better for their needs.
In conclusion, both Westlaw and LexisNexis are incredibly valuable for law students tackling legal research. Choosing between the two can depend on personal preferences, costs, and the kind of legal studies they are pursuing. By mastering these platforms, students gain crucial skills that will help them in their future legal careers.
As law students start their research journeys, it's vital to understand the unique features of Westlaw and LexisNexis. By being skilled in both, students can enhance their learning and prepare for a professional world where these tools play a significant role.
When law students look for legal research tools, platforms like Westlaw and LexisNexis are popular choices. It's important to know what each one offers so that students can do their research well.
Westlaw
Westlaw is made by Thomson Reuters. It has a huge collection of case laws, statutes (laws), codes, and other helpful resources.
One of its great features is an easy-to-use search bar. This lets students type questions in plain English, which is perfect for those who are still learning legal terms. Westlaw also has advanced search options. For example, students can search by citation or use something called KeyNumbers to find relevant legal principles fast. Additionally, Westlaw has a tool called WestSearch, which uses special technology to deliver the best search results based on what users ask.
LexisNexis
LexisNexis has been around for a long time and is well-known in the legal world. It provides a great archive of case law and has many legal publications. This platform is particularly useful for research needing historical information.
LexisNexis has its own powerful search engine. This allows researchers to add more context to their searches. It also offers a feature called Lexis Answers. This uses artificial intelligence to help provide answers to legal questions, making the research experience more interactive.
User Experience
Both platforms have user-friendly dashboards, but they look different. Westlaw has a modern design that makes it easy to navigate. LexisNexis has a more classic look, which might be comforting for those who are used to it. For students new to legal research, knowing how to use each platform can make a big difference in how easily they find information.
Mobile Access
Having mobile access is also important. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis offer apps for mobile devices. Westlaw's app is very responsive, allowing students to search, read cases, and check citations anytime, anywhere. This is handy for students who juggle classes and other responsibilities. LexisNexis also has mobile features, but some users find its app less efficient than Westlaw’s.
Costs
The cost of using these databases is something to think about as well. Usually, students need a subscription to access Westlaw and LexisNexis, which can be expensive. Fortunately, many law schools offer free or discounted access to these tools. This helps students use the databases without a financial burden. Additionally, both platforms offer training resources made for law students, which help them learn to use these tools effectively.
Secondary Sources
When it comes to additional resources, both databases perform well but in different ways. Westlaw includes legal encyclopedias, practice guides, and law review articles. These help provide context to the laws being studied. The notes that come with cases and statutes help students see how laws have changed over time. LexisNexis offers similar resources but focuses more on current legal news updates, which is key since the law is always changing.
Validating Sources
Another important feature for both platforms is the ability to check citations. Westlaw has a citation tool built right into its research functions. This helps students quickly see if their sources are reliable and up-to-date. LexisNexis also offers citation checking, but some users mention it can be slower.
Practical Skills Training
Modern legal education emphasizes hands-on skills alongside traditional learning. Both Westlaw and LexisNexis support this. Westlaw Edge includes AI tools that suggest relevant cases and legal sources based on what students are researching. This cutting-edge technology prepares them for today’s legal field. Similarly, LexisNexis has tools like Lexis Analytics, which helps students identify trends in case law that can aid their arguments.
Both platforms continually update their databases to reflect new legal trends and needs. Staying current is crucial for law students, and Westlaw and LexisNexis help with regular updates and training sessions.
Choosing the Right Tool
The choice between Westlaw and LexisNexis may also depend on what specific law topics students are studying and their school's preferences. Some schools might favor one platform over the other and provide extra training for that choice. So, it's a good idea for students to talk to their teachers or librarians about which tool might be better for their needs.
In conclusion, both Westlaw and LexisNexis are incredibly valuable for law students tackling legal research. Choosing between the two can depend on personal preferences, costs, and the kind of legal studies they are pursuing. By mastering these platforms, students gain crucial skills that will help them in their future legal careers.
As law students start their research journeys, it's vital to understand the unique features of Westlaw and LexisNexis. By being skilled in both, students can enhance their learning and prepare for a professional world where these tools play a significant role.