John J. Ross - William C. Blakley Law Library
Arizona State University College of Law


Self-Help Guide for Legal Information By Lisa Wagenheim / Rose Gavin

Table of Contents

Scope

This pathfinder was designed to assist public patrons with legal research needs on a variety of topics. The first part of the pathfinder provides references to general legal resources in print and on the Internet. The list of general resources are followed by a bibliography of print and electronic legal resources. The bibliography is organized alphabetically by legal topic.

 

General Sources

General Law Related Websites

  • NOLO Press publishes materials in plain-English for people who are representing themselves. Many of the resources listed below are Nolo publications. In addition to their print publications, the Nolo website is a source for free do-it-yourself legal information on a variety of topics. The Nolo site also includes a legal encyclopedia, legal dictionary and links to cases and statutes. http://www.nolo.com

  • USLaw.com is an online company that provides legal information to consumers, small businesses, and small law firms. The USLAW.com site has links for topical research, chat sessions with attorneys, and downloadable documents.

  • The American Bar Association Practical Law Series Online provides self-help information for many legal topics. The site includes tips on how the law affects important everyday situations. http://www.abanet.org/publiced/practical/home.html

Ross-Blakley Law Library Pathfinders

The Ross-Blakley Law Library has many helpful pathfinders, or research guides, available both in print and online. Copies of the pathfinders in print are available at the Circulation Desk as you enter the Ross-Blakley Law Library. Two especially helpful pathfinders for public patrons are listed below.

  • The Quick Reference Guide to Basic Legal Resources provides an overview of the legal materials available in the law library. The pathfinder gives descriptions of many materials, such as case reporters, digests, and legal encyclopedias, as well as brief instructions on how to use them.

  • The  Legal Forms pathfinder provides information to aid patrons in locating forms for a variety of topics. The sources listed in the pathfinder are materials owned by Ross-Blakley Law Library or sources that are available on the Internet.

Arizona Web Resources

  • The Arizona Supreme Court's Self-Service Center site was created to help people who are representing themselves find the correct forms and information about the Arizona court system. The court has provided downloadable forms for several legal topics. http://www.supreme.state.az.us/selfserv/

  • The Maricopa County Self-Service Center is a program provided by the Superior Court of Arizona to help people going to court help themselves. The Self-Servicce Center provides general information, necessary forms, and a listing of lawyers and mediators. http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/ssc/sschome.html

Legal Dictionaries

  • Henry Campbell Black, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th ed. (West Group, 1999) (KF156.B53 1999 at Reserve and Reference)

  • Daniel Oran, Law Dictionary for Nonlawyers, 3rd ed. (West Publishing Co., 1991) (KF156.O7 1991 at Reference)

  • Law.com Dictionary, http://dictionary.law.com/

  • Wex is a collaboratively-created, public-access law dictionary and encyclopedia. It is sponsored and hosted by the Legal Information Institute at the Cornell Law School.

 

Business

  • Denis Clifford & Ralph Warner, The Partnership Book: How to Write a Partnership Agreement, 5th ed. (Nolo Press, 1997) (KF1375.Z9 C55 1997 at Treatises)

  • Stephen Elias, Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name, 5th ed. (Nolo Press, 2001) (KF3180.Z9 M28 2001 at Reserve)

  • Robert W. Hamilton, The Law of Corporations in a Nutshell, 5th ed. (West Pub. Co., 2000) (KF1414.3.H35 2000 at Reserve)

  • Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., Doing Business in Arizona: A Legal Guide, 2d ed. (University of Arizona Press, 1998) (KFA2481.D65 1998 at Reserve)

  • Fred S. Steingold, The Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business, 3rd ed. (Nolo Press, 1997) (KF1659.Z9 S76 1997 at Treatises and Computer Software)

 

Constitutional Law

  • Norman Vieira, Constitutional Civil Rights in a Nutshell (West Group 1998) (KF4750.V5 1998 at Reserve)

  • Jerome Barron and C. Thomas Dienes, Constitutional Law in a Nutshell, 4th ed. (West Group 1999) (KF4550.Z9B35 at Reserve)

Race

  • Laughlin McDonald & John A. Powell, The Rights of Racial Minorities: The Basic ACLU Guide to Racial Minority Rights, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1993) (KF4755.Z9 L37 1993 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

Religion

  • Barry Lynn, Mark D. Stern, & Oliver S. Thomas, The Right to Religious Liberty: The Basic ACLU Guide to Religious Rights, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1995) (KF4783 .L96 1995 at Treatises)

Speech

  • Joel M. Gora, The Right to Protest: The Basic ACLU Guide to Free Expression (Southern Illinois University Press, 1991) (KF4778 .R54 1991 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

Women's Rights

  • Susan Deller Ross, The Rights of Women: The Basic ACLU Guide to Women's Rights, 3d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1993) (KF478.Z9 R67 1993 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Marilyn Barrett, The Ten Biggest Legal Mistakes Women Can Avoid: How to Protect Yourself, Your Children, and Your Assets (Capital Books, 2000) (KF390 .W6 B367 2000 at Treatises)

 

Courts and Mediation

  • Thomas A. Mavet, Trial Techniques, 5th ed. (Aspen Law & Business 2000) (KF8915.M38 2000 at Reserve)

  • Woodley, Ann, Litigating in Federal Court: A Guide to the Rules (Carolina Academic Press 1999) (KF8841.W66 1999 at Reserve)

  • Paul Bergman & Sara J. Berman-Barrett, Represent Yourself In Court: How To Prepare And Try A Winning Case, 3rd ed. (Nolo Press, 2001) (KF8841.B47 2001 at Reserve)

  • Paul Bergman & Albert J. Moore, Nolo's Deposition Handbook, 1st ed. (Nolo Press, 1999) (KF8900.B44 1999 at Treatises)

  • Ellen Greenberg, The Supreme Court Explained (W.W. Norton, 1997) (KF8742.Z9 G728 1997 at Treatises)

  • Peter Lovenheim, How to Mediate Your Dispute (Nolo Press, 1996) (KF9084.Z9 L68 1996 at Reserve)

  • L.J. Chris Martiniak, How to Take and Defend Depositions, 3rd ed. (Aspen Law & Business, 2002) (KF8900.M37 2002 at Reserve)

  • Ralph Warner, Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court, 8th ed. (Nolo Press, 2000) (KF8769 .W37 2000 at Reserve)

 

Employment/Labor

  • William P. Allen, John J. Balitis, & Joseph L. Moore, Arizona Labor and Employment Law (National Business Institute, 1996) (KFA2731.Z9 A44 1996 at Reserve)

  • Stephen Fishman, Hiring Independent Contractors : The Employers' Legal Guide, 3rd ed. (Nolo Press, 2000) (KF898 .F57 2000 at Reserve)

  • Laughlin McDonald & John A. Powell, The Rights of Racial Minorities: The Basic ACLU Guide to Racial Minority Rights, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1993) (KF4755.Z9 L37 1993 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Robert M. O'Neil, The Rights of Public Employees: The Basic ACLU Guide to the Rights of Public Employees, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1993) (KF5337.O5 1993 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Wayne N. Outten, Robert J. Rabin & Lisa R. Lipman, The Rights of Employees and Union Members: The Basic ACLU Guide to the Rights of Employees and Union Members, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1994) (KF3319.3O965 1994 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • William Petrocelli & Barbara Kate Repa, Sexual Harassment on the Job: What It Is & How to Stop It, 4th ed. (Nolo Press, 1999) (KF3467.Z9 P47 1999 at Reserve)

  • Barbara Kate Repa, Your Rights in the Workplace, 4th ed. (Nolo Press, 1999) (KF3455.Z9 R47 1999 at Reserve)

  • Thomas M. Rogers, Arizona Employment Law Handbook (State Bar of Arizona, 1995-present) (KFA2734.R65 at Reserve and Treatises)

  • Susan Deller Ross, The Rights of Women: The Basic ACLU Guide to Women's Rights, 3d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1993) (KF478.Z9 R67 1993 at Treatises)

  • Fred S. Steingold, The Employer's Legal Handbook, 4th ed. (Nolo Press, 2000) (KF3455.Z9 S74 2000 at Reserve)

 

Family Law

General

  • Sandra K. Bregman, Family Law in Arizona (National Business Institute, 1997) (KFA2494.Z9 F36 1997 at Reserve)

  • Hayden Curry, Denis Clifford & Robin Leonard, A Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples, 10th ed. (Nolo Press, 1999) (KF538.C87 1998 at Treatises)

  • Catherine A. Creighton, Arizona Legal Forms: Domestic Relations (v. 4), 2d ed. (West Group, 1998) (KFA2468.A75 1997 at Reserve)

  • Family Advocate (American Bar Association Family Law Section, 1978-present) (K6.A5 bound volumes at Bound Periodicals, unbound volumes at Reserve) several issues aimed at clients:
    • Vol. 24, no. 4 (2002): "Your ADR Options: Mediation, Arbitration, and Collaborative Law."
    • Vol. 24, no. 1 (2002): The whole issue is designed to help clients better understand the legal process.
    • Vol. 22, no. 1 (1999): "Surviving Your Divorce: A Handbook for Clients."
    • Vol. 21, no. 1 (1998): "Co-parenting After Divorce."
    • Vol. 18, no. 4 (1996): "My Parents Are Getting Divorced: A Handbook for Kids."
    • Vol. 18, no. 3 (1996): "Handbook for the Newly Divorced."

  • Martin Guggenheim, Alexandra Dylan Lowe & Diane Curtis, The Rights of Families: The Authoritative ACLU Guide to the Rights of Family Members Today (Southern Illinois University Press, 1996) (KF505.Z9 G84 1996 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Nan D. Hunter, Sherryl E. Michaelson & Thomas B. Stoddard, The Rights of Lesbians and Gay Men: The Basic ACLU Guide to a Gay Person's Rights, 3d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1992) (KF4754.5.Z9 R54 1992 at Treatises and and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Shae Irving, The Financial Power Of Attorney Workbook, 2d ed. (Nolo Press, 2000) (KF1347.Z9 I78 2000 at Treatises and Computer Software)

  • Charles Marshall Smith, Arizona Practice: Community Property Law (v. 4) (West Group, 2000) (KFA2497.S45 2000 at Reserve)

Children

  • Joel B. Glassman, Child Custody and Visitation in Arizona (National Business Institute, 1997) (KFA2504.6.A92 1997 at Reserve)

  • Mimi E. Lyster, Child Custody: Building Parenting Agreements That Work, 3d ed. (Nolo Press, 1999) (KF547.Z9 L97 1999 at Treatises)

  • Donald T. Saposnek, Mediating Child Custody Disputes: A Strategic Approach, Rev. ed. (Jossey-Bass, 1998) (KF547.S26 1998 at Treatises)

  • Mary L. Verdier and Maribeth McGowan, Pathway to Adoption: An Arizona Guide (Emerald Press, 1995) (KFA2504.5 .V47 1995 at Reserve)

Dissolution

  • Margorie L. Engel, Divorce Help Sourcebook (Visible Ink, 1994) (KF535.Z95 E54 1994 at Treatises)

  • Daniel Sitarz, Divorce Yourself: The National No-Fault Divorce Kit, 3d ed. (Nova Pub. Co. Legal Publications, 1994) (KF535.Z9 S57 1994 at Reserve)

  • Charles Marshall Smith, Marriage Dissolution Practice (West Publishing Co., 1988-) (KFA2500.S65 1988 at Reserve and State Law) Note: updated annually

  • Violet Woodhouse, Divorce and Money: How to Make the Best Financial Decisions During Divorce, 4th ed. (Nolo Press, 1998) (KF524.Z9 W66 1998 at Treatises)

The ABA Guide to Family Law is part of the ABA Practical Series Guides. The guide provides information about many relevant family law issues. The chapters in the book are available online. http://www.abanet.org/publiced/practical/books/family/home.html

 

Health Care

  • Health Law Handbook (West Group, 1994-present) (KF3825.H43 at Treatises)

  • Margaret C. Jasper, Elder Law (Oceana Publications, 1996) (KF390.A4 J37 1996 at Treatises)

  • William B. Rubenstein, Ruth Eisenberg & Lawrence O. Gostin, The Rights of People Who Are HIV Positive: The Authoritative ACLU Guide to the Rights of People Living with HIV Disease and AIDS (Southern Illinois University Press, 1996) (KF3803.A54 R83 1996 at Treatises)

  • Donald H.J. Herman, Mental Health and Disability Law in a Nutshell (West Group 1997) (KF3828.Z9H47 1997 at Reserve)

 

Immigration

  • Laurence A. Canter & Martha S. Siegel, U.S. Immigration Made Easy, 8th ed. (Nolo Press, 2001) (KF4819.6.S56 2001 at Reserve)

  • David Carliner, The Rights of Aliens and Refugees: The Basic ACLU Guide to Alien and Refugee Rights, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1990) (KF4800.R54 1990 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Loida Nicolas Lewis & Len T. Madlansacay, How to Get a Green Card: Legal Ways to Stay in the U.S.A., 4th ed. (Nolo, 1999) (KF4840.Z9 L49 1999 at Reserve)

USLaw.com has an Immigration Law Channel on its website that allows users to do Immigration Law research. http://www.uslaw.com/channel.tcl?channel_id=105

 

Indian Law

  • William C. Canby, American Indian Law in a Nutshell, 3d ed. (West Group, 1998) (KF8205.Z9 C36 1998 at Reserve)

  • Stephen L. Pevar, The Rights of Indians and Tribes: The Basic ACLU Guide to Indian and Tribal Rights, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1992) (KF8210.C5 P48 1992 at Indian Law and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

 

Landlord & Tenant

  • Carlton C. Casler, Arizona Landlord's Deskbook, 3d ed. (Consumer Law Books Publishing House, 1998) (KFA2517.Z9 C37 1998 at Reserve)

  • David S. Hill, Landlord and Tenant Law in a Nutshell, 3d ed. (West Publishing Co., 1995) (KF590.Z9 H45 1995 at Reserve)

  • David A. Peterson & Andrew M. Hull, Arizona Rental Rights: A Guide for Tenants, Landlords, and Mobile Home Users, 4th ed. (United States, 2000) (KFA2517.Z9 P47 2000 at Reserve)

  • Janet Portman & Marcia Stewart, Renters' Rights: The Basics, 2d ed. (Nolo.com, 2000) (KF590.Z9 P673 2000 at Reserve)

  • Marcia Stewart & Ralph Warner & Janet Portman, Every Landlord's Legal Guide: Leases & Rental Agreements, Deposits, Rent Rules, Liability, Discrimination, Property Managers, Privacy, Repairs & Maintenance, Evictions, 3d ed. (Nolo Press, 1998) (KF590.Z9 S74 1998 at Reserve and Computer Software)

The James E. Rogers College of Law Library website has an Arizona Residential Landlord-Tenant Law resource guide that provides links to relevant Arizona statutes and websites. http://www.law.arizona.edu/Library/internet/publications/library/guides_legal/landlord_tenant.htm

 

Legal Research

  • Diana Botluk, The Legal List, Research on the Internet (West Group 2002) (KF242.A1L375 2002)

  • Stephen Elias, Legal Research: How to Find & Understand the Law, 7th ed. (Nolo, 1999) (KF240.E44 1999 at Reserve)

  • Adrien Helm, Using a Law Library: Special Research and Writing (HALT, 1982) (Z675.L2 H44 1982 at Treatises) Although this book is somewhat dated, it provides a useful overview of the materials in law libraries and the organization of legal information.

  • Susan Herskowitz, Legal Research Made Easy, 2d ed. (Sourcebooks, 1998) (KF240.H47 1998 at Treatises)

 

Patent, Trademark, & Copyright

  • Stephen Elias, Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name, 4th ed. (Nolo Press, 2001) (KF3180.Z9 M28 2001 at Reserve)

  • Stephen Elias & Kate McGrath, Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name, 4th ed. (Nolo Press, 1999) (KF3180.Z9 M28 1999 at Treatises)

  • Stephen Elias, Patent, Copyright & Trademark, 5th ed. (Nolo Press, 2002) (KF2980.E44 2002 at Treatises)

  • Stephen Fishman, Copyright Your Software, 2d ed. (Nolo Press, 1998) (KF3024.C6 F57 1998 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Stephen Fishman, The Copyright Handbook: How to Protect & Use Written Works, 6th ed. (Nolo Press, 2002) (KF2995.F53 2002 at Reserve)

  • Kenneth P. Norwick & Jerry Simon Chasen, The Rights of Authors, Artists and Other Creative People: The Basic ACLU Guide to Author and Artist Rights, 2d ed. (Southern Illinois University Press, 1992) (KF390.A96 N67 1992 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • David Pressman, Patent It Yourself, 8th ed. (Nolo.com, 2000) (KF3114.6.P74 2000 at Reference)

  • Richard Stim, Getting Permission: How to License and Clear Copyrighted Material Online & Off (Nolo.com, 2000) (KF3024.C6 S75 2000 at Reserve and Computer Software)

 

Personal Injury

  • Joseph L Matthews, How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim, 2d ed. (Nolo, 1996) (KF1257.Z9 M37 1996 at Reserve)

 

Property

  • The American Bar Association Guide to Home Ownership: The Complete and Easy Guide to All the Law Every Home Owner Should Know, 1st ed. (Times Books, 1995) (KF390.H53 A46 1995 at Treatises)

  • Cora Jordan, Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries, and Noise, 2d ed. (Nolo Press, 1997) (KF639.Z9 J67 1997 at Reserve)

 

Taxation

  • Eugene J. Daly, Thy Will Be Done: A Guide to Wills, Taxation, and Estate Planning for Older Persons, 2d ed. (Prometheus Books, 1994) (KF755.Z9 D35 1994 at Treatises)

  • Individual Tax Return Guide (Research Institute of America, 1978-present) (KF6369.6.I45 at Tax)

 

Wills & Trusts

  • Denis Clifford, Nolo's Simple Will Book, 4th ed. (Nolo Press, 2001) (KF755.Z9C54 2001 at Reserve)

  • Denis Clifford, Estate Planning Basics (Nolo Press, 1999) (KF750.Z9 C585 1999 at Treatises)

  • Denis Clifford, The Quick & Legal Will Book, 2d ed. (Nolo Press, 1999) (Available as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Eugene J. Daly, Thy Will Be Done: A Guide to Wills, Taxation, and Estate Planning for Older Persons, 2d ed. (Prometheus Books, 1994) (KF755.Z9 D35 1994 at Treatises)

  • Charles F. Myers, 2000 Probate Code Practice Manual, 4th ed. (State Bar of Arizona, 2000) (KFA2544.A97 2000 at Reserve)

  • Mary Randolph, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, 2d ed. (Nolo.com, 1999) (KF750.Z9 R36 1999 at Treatises and as an eBook through the ASU Libraries catalog)

  • Daniel Sitarz, Prepare Your Own Will: The National Will Kit, 4th ed. (Nova Pub. Co., 1994) (KF755.Z9 S49 1994 at Reserve)

    USLAW.com has a skeletal discussion of the Arizona wills statutes. The page answers common questions about Arizona wills statutes, such as "Are living wills recognized?" and "Who must be mentioned in the will?" http://www.uslaw.com/library/article/nowlarizona.html?area_id=14

    The ABA Guide to Wills and Estates is part of the ABA Practical Series Guides. The guide provides information about wills, trusts and the tax consequences of estate planning. The chapters in the book are available online. http://www.abanet.org/publiced/practical/books/wills/home.html

User-friendly URL: www.law.asu.edu/library/selfhelp