Westlaw contains many features that help you do efficient research. Here are a few tips for common research tasks on Westlaw.
Remember, if you are off campus, you will be asked to log in. Use your portal/Canvas log-ins to access Westlaw database.
Note: Click on the images to see them in larger scale.
Tip 1: Find a document by citation: Type the citation in the search box at the top of any page. (The format is NOT case sensitive).
Tip 2: Run searches in plain language or terms and connectors: Use plain language or Terms and Connectors to search on Westlaw. WestSearch, a search engine designed specifically for law, incorporates over 125 years of proprietary analysis of the law and exclusive tools like Key Numbers, KeyCite, headnotes, notes of decisions, indexes, and secondary sources to deliver relevant results no matter what type of search you run. After you execute a search, your results will be aggregated on an Overview page. From this page, each content type is listed separately on the left-hand side of the screen. By clicking on the content type (i.e., Cases, Statutes, Forms ...) you can access all of the results for that particular category.
Tip 3: Use Westlaw answers for basic legal information: Westlaw Answers gives you basic legal information for jurisdiction-specific common legal questions. Search for elements of a claim, statutes of limitations, and judicially defined terms. To search, type a question beginning with “What” into the search bar.
Tip 4: Return to prior research: Your research history is saved for one year. Hover over History at the top of any page to see your five most recent documents and five most recent searches. Click History to view your full history of document views, searches, and KeyCite.
Tip 5: Print or deliver a document: To deliver a document, click the arrow next to the delivery icon in the upper right-hand corner of the document and choose Email, Print, Download, Dropbox, or Kindle from the menu.
