Skill 3: Select a case law database
Unlike Google with its unified format and single search box, LexisNexis and Westlaw provide access to thousands of databases each with its own search box. How do you locate and select those LexisNexis and Westlaw databases containing the information you require? On LexisNexis, an online resource is called a Source. Locate sources using the LexisNexis Look for a Source. In Westlaw, an online resource is called a Database. Locate databases using the Westlaw Directory.
Detailed, current information on databases offered by LexisNexis & Westlaw is available at the LexisNexis Searchable Directory of Online Sources and the Westlaw Database Directory. The LexisNexis Directory of Online Services and the Westlaw Database Directory are available in print at the Langdell Reference Desk. Please note: many but not all LexisNexis & Westlaw databases are available under our academic accounts.
Task 3(a): Locate a LexisNexis source containing all federal case law
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Click the Search tab to return to the LexisNexis Search service. Notice the box labeled Look for a Source and its four tabs: Legal, News & Business, Public Records, and Find a Source. The Legal, News & Business, and Public Records tabs allow you to browse for sources by type. Click the Find a Source tab. The Find a Source box allows you to search the LexisNexis Source Directory. You may also browse for a source by title by clicking one of the numbers or letters located beneath the Find a Source box. Add tabs by clicking the Add/Edit Tabs link.
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Let's locate a source using the Legal tab. Notice the various categories within the Legal tab denoted by a folder icon (
).
Notice that each category may be expanded by clicking the View
more sources link. Notice
the various sources listed under the Cases-U.S. category. Notice
the various source-type
icons located to the left of a source name. Go to the bottom
of the screen for a key to the icons. Information about a source
is available by clicking the (
)
icon located to the right of a source. Click the Federal Court Cases,
Combined source link.
Once you have selected your first source and conducted a search,
the very useful Recently Used Sources pull-down menu will appear
on the Search service page allowing you to select from up to
20 of your most recently used sources. You are now at the LexisNexis Enter Search Terms search template screen. (See Illustration 3 below.) You are ready to conduct a search.
Illustration 3: The LexisNexis Search Template
Task 3(b): Locate a Westlaw database containing all federal case law
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Click the Directory link in the top frame to enter the Westlaw Database Directory. Quickly locate a database using the Search the Westlaw Directory box. You can also browse the Database Directory in the right frame. The Recent Databases pull-down menu in the left frame displays your most recently used databases. Use Favorite Databases to create a pull-down menu containing your favorite databases.
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Notice the various database menu entries for federal and state primary legal materials, international legal materials, topical materials by area of practice, news, and secondary legal materials. Click the Cases link under the U.S. Federal Materials heading. Information about a database is available by clicking the (
)
icon located to the right of a database listing. Next, click the All
Federal Cases link. Notice the database code is ALLFEDS. -
You are now at the Westlaw Search template screen. (See Illustration 4 below.) You are ready to conduct a search.
Illustration 4: The Westlaw Search Template
Congratulations! You successfully explored the LexisNexis and Westlaw directories and located databases containing federal case law. Next, we will conduct a terms & connectors search.