You learned that it's important to double-check that your primary sources (legislative and case law - treaties, decisions of courts and tribunals, statutes, regulations) are still solid law. To do this you can use Nexis Uni to create a Shepard's Report for statutes and regulations. Nexis Uni uses Shepard's Signal Indicators to provide context about point of law authority.click on the Shepardize this document located to the right of the document.
QUICK SEARCH EXAMPLE
SEARCH RESULTS
HOW TO READ A CASE
What is a citation?
Plaintiff | Defendant |Volume |Reporter |Page |Court |Year
Blackburn v. Fisk 433 F.2d 121 (6th Cir. 1971)
where "F.2d" stands for The Federal Reporter, 2nd series. Please note that not all citations follow the full format, e.g., 834 N.E.2d 432. Also, one case could have more than one citations, for example, all of these four citations 834 N.E.2d 432; 162 Ohio App. 3d 642; 2005 Ohio 4331; 2005 Ohio App. LEXIS 3932 refer to one case.
Research is like detective work and can be very rewarding.
The research process is something you can learn and practice. Some topics require more persistence than others, but that's totally normal!
Although databases may look different, they all have the same basic structure, filters, and tools - search boxes, filters to eliminate articles that aren't relevant, email or share tools, and of course, cite tools. Be on the look out for them!
You can link directly to Credo Reference, below. Reminder - you will be prompted to login in with your Western ID.
Use this database to understand basic concepts taught in your courses. It's also a great database for the first step in your research process. It contains short articles from encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks and other reference sources on a wide range of subjects. Get started on your assignment or research project by learning about key people, places, dates, events, concepts, and ideas related to your topic.
Is there a new term or concept that you are confused by or just kind of hazy on? Using Credo Reference is a great way to get clarification about new terms and concepts you come across in your course reading or other research. Do a basic search of terms or concepts to find definitions and short articles that explain what they mean.
When you see TOO MANY RESULTS use the filters to narrow your search.
Click the red box Find Books (Catalog).
Search Terms: law OR legal.
