Typical questions

• • I need to find McHale v. Watson (1966) 115 CLR 199.

• • I want to find journal articles on privacy and the law.

Starting points

• • Law enquiries can be complicated. Specialist language, abbreviations and the complexity of legal systems can all cause problems. This is especially the case as many student seeking law materials do not themselves have legal training. Some universities have specialist law librarians. If one is not available, another good starting point is the websites of the law libraries listed here as they usually contain detailed guides to legal research.

• • Legal materials are increasingly being made available online; however, remember to check dates and jurisdiction before use. Most law libraries have access to large commercial databases that contain high quality cases, statutes and practitioner works.

• • Related chapters are Criminology, Human Rights, Legislation and Treaties. Information on EU law is also provided in the European Union chapter.

Recommended resources

Key organisations – professional – UK

Many students require information on how to enter a specific legal profession. The main organisations have websites that offer careers advice, plus news and events listings.

Bar Council

www.barcouncil.org.uk

Approved regulator of the Bar of England and Wales. The starting point for finding out about barristers and the Inns of Court. Includes free access to an ethics and practice hub with full text articles.

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives [Basic]

www.cilex.org.uk

Includes free access to materials for paralegals.

Law Society of England and Wales

www.lawsociety.org.uk

Professional body for solicitors. Its website provides free access to the catalogue of its extensive law library, as well as some free articles from its weekly publication The Law Society Gazette. Also available is the Find a Solicitor database (solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk), which enables members of the public to find lists of legal representatives in England and Wales.

Key organisations – professional – international

International Bar Association (IBA)

www.ibanet.org

Established in 1947, the world's leading organisation of international legal practitioners. Its website provides free access to a growing collection of resources including podcasts, filmed conference sessions, practice rules and guidelines covering a range of international legal topics. It also has a useful directory of links to national and regional barristers’ organisations worldwide.

Government bodies

Courts and Tribunals Judiciary UK

www.judiciary.uk

Provides information on the justice system, its evolution, the current court structure and the work of judges and magistrates.