TOP TEN LEGAL WEBSITES Starting Points
Online Resources 1. Findlaw http://www.findlaw.com
If you could bookmark only one legal site, it would have to be Findlaw. Purchased by West Group in 2000, this site remains free and offers a comprehensive index of links to practice resources, case law, codes, legal associations, law reviews and much, much more. Check out the listings under Legal Professionals and the More Search Options link.
2. LexisOne http://www.lexisone.com
Comparable to FINDLAW and produced by WESTLAW’s major online competitor, LEXISNEXIS, this site is geared towards small firms. Free, but must register for full access.
3. Legal Information Institute http://www.law.cornell.edu/
Cornell University Law School’s Legal Information Institute was a pioneer in publishing legal materials on the Internet. Today it continues to be an innovator in the research field. The “Law About” section gives a brief summary of many law topics with hyperlinks to primary resources, other Internet sources, and even book references. LII has a great tutorial on proper legal citation and several digital libraries on such diverse topics as American Legal Ethics and Social Security Law.
4. Thomas http://thomas.loc.gov
Developed by a team at the Library of Congress http://www.loc.gov/ this site provides current and historical legislative information. Databases include bill summaries, full-text versions of bills, roll call votes, the text of the Congressional Record, committee information including House and Senate reports, among a host of other legislative documentation. To review the legislative process, select the link “How Congress Makes Law.”
5. GPO Access http://www.gpoaccess.gov
GPO Access is a service of the U.S. Government Printing Office. This agency is responsible for disseminating official information from all three branches of the Federal Government. Great resource for current and retrospective agency notices, proposed rules, and recent amendments to regulations.
Appalachian School of Law Library
Do you need more help? Ask a librarian! (276) 935-6688 x1315
Top Ten Legal Websites continued 6. WashLaw Web http://www.washlaw.edu
Maintained by the Washburn School of Law Library, this site offers a compilation of primary resources including state, federal, and international resources, and helpful links for law students including legal discussion groups, bar preparation material and much more.
7. The Virtual Chase http://www.virtualchase.com/
The focus of The Virtual Chase is on teaching legal professionals how to do research on the Internet. Sponsored by a prestigious law firm, the site offers an alert service, help on Internet strategies and resources on a variety of legal and business topics. Research guides provide guidance on finding company information, finding people, and selecting the best search engine.
8. LLRX http://www.llrx.com
Free web journal dedicated to providing legal, library, IT/IS, marketing and administrative professionals with the most up-to-date information on a wide range of Internet research and technology-related issues, applications, resources and tools. 9. Hieros Gamos
http://www.hg.org
Name it, you can find it on HG. A wealth of information can be found in the Business Center, Employment Center, Law Practice Center, Law Student Center, Law Events Center, and even a Consumer Center. 10. Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government for kids
http://bensguide.gpo.gov
Just for fun! Review Civics 101. Play games and do puzzles!
World Wide Web Directories
The Extreme Searcher’s Internet Handbook: A Guide for the Serious Searcher Main ZA 4230 .H63 2004. SurfLess Find More! Law Quickly & Easily on the Internet Reference KF 242 .A1 S87 1999. U.S. Government on the Web: Getting the Information You Need Reference ZA 5075 .H47 2003.