Locating Legal Information on Locating Legal Information on the Webthe Web

20042004Curriculum Developed by Minnesota Association of Curriculum Developed by Minnesota Association of Law Libraries Consulting & Community Outreach Law Libraries Consulting & Community Outreach

CommitteeCommittee

GoalsGoals

To familiarize you with the legal system and online legal websites

To provide hands-on experience using online legal websites

To discuss what you can and cannot do for patrons seeking legal information or help

Overview of the Legal SystemOverview of the Legal System

Branches of Federal GovernmentBranches of Federal Government

Locating Legal Information on the WebLocating Legal Information on the Web

Typical legal requests in public libraries

Locating Legal Information on the WebLocating Legal Information on the Web

Referring a question to a law library and/or attorney

HypotheticalHypothetical

“I have a letter from my grandmother that deeds the family farm to me. She died last month. Do I own it now?”

HypotheticalHypothetical

“I've been trying to get back together with my ex-girlfriend. I've been leaving her messages, but she won't return my calls and I don't understand why. Yesterday the cops came by my place. They didn't arrest me, but they gave me some papers that say I have to go to court next week and mention section 609.749. But I haven't done anything wrong! Can you help me?”

HypotheticalHypothetical

(two days later)

“Can you help me find out how to file for a restraining order on my ex-boyfriend?”

Locating Legal Information on the WebLocating Legal Information on the Web

Identifying and retrieving online documents with a citation

410 U.S. 113 (1973)

Volume

Reporter abbreviation (United States Reports)

Page Number

Year of Decision

Roe v. WadeRoe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), 410 U.S. 113 (1973)

645 N.W.2d 470 (2002)

VolumeReporter abbreviation (North Western Reporter)

Page Number

Year of Decision

AFSCME v. Grand RapidsAFSCME v. Grand Rapids, 645 N.W.2d 470 , 645 N.W.2d 470 (Minn. App. 2002)(Minn. App. 2002)

Other CitationsOther Citations

42 U.S.C. § 198326 C.F.R. § 1.501(c)(3)-1Minn. Stat. § 624.714Minn. R. Civ. P. 56