Legal Research Guide

Law Library Blog

Secondary Sources : Start here

Secondary sources provide commentary on the law or assist in locating the law.

Abbreviations - decipher an acronym or abbreviation
Case Citators - find a citation or the history of a case
Dictionaries - find the legal meaning of a word
Encyclopaedias - introduction to legal topics, giving case and legislation references
Hansard - transcripts of parliamentary proceedings
Library Catalogue - search for text books and looseleaf services
Journal articles - commentary about legal issues

Primary Sources : Finish here

Primary sources are the authoritative sources of law as made by law making bodies. Remember to update your research to ensure your cases and legislation are still good law!

Case Law - Australia - Law made by the courts in Australia
Case Law - International - Law made by overseas courts
Legislation - Law made by parliaments

Databases

Here is a list of databases in which you will find primary and secondary sources of law.

Research help : For more ideas

FAQs - answers to common legal research questions
Law Referencing Resources - including AGLC and EndNote
Legal Research Strategy - effective searching techniques
Subject guides - resources for your topic
- subject gateway to law sites

Specialised Resources

What's new

Books - Select 'Law Library'. Updated weekly
Journals [Restricted to Law School Staff]. Updated weekly
Staying current in law - "How-to" guide

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