Legal Resources Quick Reference Chart
| Resource | Library Owns | Non-free | Free | Differences |
| Federal | ||||
| Congressional Record |
From 1873 onward |
From 1873 onward From 1985 onward |
From 1994 onward |
HeinOnline has this item in PDF. The library owns it on microfiche. Searchable in WestLaw/Lexis. |
| Federal Register |
From 1936 onward |
From 1936 onward From 1981 onward |
From 1994 onward |
HeinOnline has this item in PDF. The library owns it on microfiche. Searchable in WestLaw/Lexis. Easier to search citations in HeinOnline or WestLaw/Lexis as it converts the page number into the appropriate volume automatically. You must use a chart to do this in print/microfiche. |
| Code of Federal Regulations |
From 1949 onward |
From 1938 onward WestLaw/Lexis From 1984 onward |
From 1996 onward |
HeinOnline has the most coverage. Searchable in WestLaw/Lexis and also includes annotations. HeinOnline has the most date converage in the easiest to read format. |
| U.S. Code |
(2000) |
WestLaw/Lexis |
(2000 Suppl. 5) |
Numerous advantages to searching within WestLaw/Lexis including annotations, case law citations, citations to secondary sources, etc. Also, there is generally no need to check for updates electronically as this is done automatically. In print, you need to check supplements and pocket parts. |
| Statutes at Large |
From 1937 onward |
From 1789 onward From 1789-1972 |
(109th Congress only) |
HeinOnline has the most coverage in the easiest to read format. Searchable in WestLaw/Lexis and includes annotations. |
| California | ||||
| Calif. Code |
KFC 30.5 (Deering or West) |
WestLaw/Lexis | Legislative Information Service | Easier to read in print. Searchable in WestLaw/Lexis. Remember there are two third-party publishers of the state code. Their annotations may differ from one to another. |
| Calif. Attorney General Opinions |
From 1943 onward |
From 1977 onward |
Office of the Attorney General From 1986 onward |
Much more date coverage in print/micofiche. For older opinions, before 1977, you must use the microfiche set. |
| Calif. Admin. Code | KFC 35 |
From 2002 onward |
Office of Administrative Law | Searchable in WestLaw/Lexis. May be easier to read in print. |
| Calif. Session Laws | KFC 25 C301 |
From 1968 onward WestLaw |
Legislative Information Service From 1993 onward |
HeinOnline has the most date coverage in the easiest to read format. |
| Other states | ||||
| Session Laws | speak with librarian |
(all 50 states, dates vary) |
Check state's legislative website | HeinOnline includes all 50 states in easy-to-read PDF format. |
| State Codes | speak with librarian | WestLaw/Lexis | Check state's legislative website | May have state codes in print for larger jurisdictions. Searchable, with added annotations, in WestLaw/Lexis. |
| Attorney General Opinions | speak with librarian |
Most states from 1977 onward |
Check state's attorney general website | Depending on date, may require some searching. Speak with a librarian. |
| Foreign/Intl. | ||||
| Canadian case law & legislation |
(legislation) (cases) |
Lexis/Westlaw(contains cases, statutes, some treatises, journals, etc.) WestLaweCARSWELL(also contains Canadian materials, use your WestLaw password for access) |
Refer to subject guide, "Guide to Canadian Law" | There is a rather substantial amount of materials available through WestLaw/Lexis. Remember, that the "search by citation" function will NOT work for Canadian cases. You must select that database first, and then search. Speak with a law librarian for assistance. |
| UK case law & legislation |
(legislation) (cases) |
WestLaw/Lexiscontains cases, legislation, journals, and practice materials. | Refer to subject guide, "Guide to UK Law" | The library has UK case reporters, legislation, and secondary sources in print or microfiche. Speak with a law librarian to locate other sources. |
| EU case law, treaties, and legislation |
(legislation) KJE 925.5 C65 (cases) |
WestLaw/Lexiscontain cases, treaties, secondary sources, and the Official Journal. For EU case law, speak with a librarian. | Refer to subject guide, "Guide to EU Law" | The Official Journal, which is the legislative record of the EU, is available through WestLaw/Lexis. For other sources, please speak with a law librarian. |
| Foreign legislation (not UK, EU, Canada) | speak with librarian | speak with librarian | speak with librarian | If you are looking for foreign legislation please speak with a librarian. |
| Foreign case law (not UK, EU, Canada) | speak with librarian | speak with librarian | Depends on jurisdiction | If you are looking for foreign case law please speak with a law librarian. |
| UN Treaties and other documents |
(treaties) |
UN Treaty Series(treaties) AccessUN (other documents) |
Refer to subject guide, "World Treaties" | If you are looking for a UN Treaty, or other UN document, speak with a law librarian. |
