This guide was designed to help public patrons with legal research needs on a variety of topics. The first part of the guide provides references to general legal resources in print and on the internet. The list of general resources is followed by a list of print and electronic legal resources organized alphabetically by legal topic.
The links on this page are to free websites, to information about books available in the Ross-Blakley Law Library, and to electronic books available on the ASU library computers. ASU students, faculty, and staff can also access electronic books using their ASUrite passwords.
The Ross-Blakley Law Library has many helpful research guides. We also have a webpage especially for the public listing resources that are useful for public patrons. If you need legal advice or help in finding an attorney, see Legal Advice in the Phoenix Area.
PLoL is a great free source for finding cases and other legal materials. It has cases from the U.S. Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals; cases from all 50 states back to 1997; and links to federal and state statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions.
Legal information on numerous legal topics, including free cases, codes, regulations, legal articles, legal blog databases, federal filings, and regulations tracker. Includes all U.S. Supreme Court opinions, U.S. Court of Appeals opinions since 1950, and U.S. District Court opinions since 2004, as well as links to many other free resources.
Free, full-text searchable database of Supreme Court and Federal Appellate case reports. It includes U.S. Supreme Court cases from 1759 to present and U.S. Courts of Appeals cases beginning with the 1940s for most circuits, and more cases are added every day. Joint project of Columbia Law School and University of Colorado Law School.
Find a lawyer or browse legal information. Click on the “For Legal Professionals” tab for more research options, including free federal and state cases and codes.
Includes opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court since 1992 plus selected earlier opinions, a searchable index of all U.S. Circuit Court opinions on the internet, the United States Code, Code of Federal Regulations, federal court rules, and links to other free legal resources. Hosted by Cornell Law School.
General Resources
Nolo's Encyclopedia of Everyday Law: Answers to your Most Frequently Asked Questions (2003/2005)
The American Bar Association provides self-help information on many legal topics, including how the law affects important everyday situations, how courts work, and criminal law.
American Bar Association Family Legal Guide (2004)
The ABA Division of Public Education makes this guide available for free download.
The American Bar Association Legal Guide for Americans over 50 (2006)
This site was created to help people who are representing themselves find the correct forms and information about the Arizona court system. The court has downloadable formsinclude: Divorce, Child Support Changes, Family Crisis, Landlord/Tenant, Name Change, Probate (Guardianship), Small Claims, and Personal Information Redaction. There are also links to country self-service centers.
The site also has appellate guides and forms for Self-Represented (“Pro Se” or “Pro Per”) Appellants and Appellees, and for Self-Represented (“Pro Se” or “Pro Per”) Parties in Worker's Compensation Case Appeals.
A program provided by the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, to help people going to court help themselves. The Self-Service Center has general information and resources, forms and instructions, and a listing of lawyers and mediators. Downloadable forms are provided for Civil Cases, Deferral of Court Fees, Domestic Violence, Family Court, Juvenile Cases, Probate Cases, Property Tax, and Criminal Cases. There is also a glossary of court-related terms.
Includes resources to help you find a lawyer or free legal services, information on client rights and responsibilities and disputes with lawyers, consumer brochures and links to other legal websites.
This site has general information on many legal topics, including: Family and Children; Native American Issues; Work; Immigration; Housing; Health & Disability; Consumer Issues; Disaster Relief; Court Information, Arizona & National Resources; Criminal Law; Your Rights; Public Utilities & Energy; Public Benefits; Protection from Abuse; Seniors; and Life & Estate Planning. AZLawHelp.org is a collaborative project of: Community Legal Services, DNA People's Legal Services, Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc., The Volunteer Lawyer's Program, Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, and The William E. Morris Institute for Justice.
This site from the American Bar Association's Division of Legal Education covers Basics of Criminal Law, The Police and Your Rights, Rules on Search and Seizure, Juvenile Criminal Cases, and Victims' Rights.
The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System (Nolo 2006/2007)
Family Advocate, the membership magazine of the ABA Section of Family Law, (available at K6.A5 and through HeinOnline) occasionally has issues written for clients:
Vol. 30, no. 1 (2007): Coparenting During and After Divorce: A Handbook for Parents”
Vol. 29, no. 1 (2006): My Parents Are Getting Divorced: A Handbook by and for Kids”
Vol. 28, no. 1 (2005): Illuminating Answers to 200+ FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce”
Vol. 27, no. 1 (2004): Surviving Your Divorce and Beyond: A Client Manual”
Vol. 26, no. 1 (2003): What Your Children Need ... Now! A Divorcing Parent's Handbook”
