Westlaw is a comprehensive legal research service and proprietary database for legal and law-related materials and services. It is provided by Thomson Reuters and is a leading resource utilized by legal professionals, including lawyers, judges, and students. The platform offers a vast array of legal information, research tools, and advanced search functionalities to facilitate efficient and thorough legal research.
Key Features of Westlaw
Extensive Legal Database
Westlaw hosts an extensive collection of legal materials, including but not limited to:
- Case Law
- Statutes and Legislation
- Administrative Codes and Regulations
- Secondary Sources (e.g., legal encyclopedias, law reviews, and treatises)
- Practice Areas
- Legal Forms
Advanced Search Technology
Westlaw utilizes advanced search technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Boolean search to allow precise and efficient query executions. This helps researchers find relevant information quickly and accurately.
KeyCite
KeyCite is Westlaw’s citation research service, enabling users to verify whether a case, statute, regulation, or administrative decision is still good law. KeyCite also provides information on citing references and relevant interconnections between legal documents.
Practical Law
Practical Law is a suite within Westlaw that provides practical legal guidance and resources designed for various practice areas. It includes checklists, standard documents, how-to guides, and legal updates aimed to streamline workflow.
Historical Context
Westlaw was initially introduced in the 1970s by West Publishing, a company known for its legal publications, including well-cited casebooks and digests. In the 1990s, after West Publishing was acquired by Thomson Corporation (which later became Thomson Reuters), Westlaw expanded its digital capabilities and integrated more advanced technologies to serve evolving legal research needs.
Applicability
Westlaw is primarily used by:
- Attorneys: For case preparation, precedent research, and continuing legal education.
- Judges: For legal research and opinion drafting.
- Law Students: For academic research and coursework.
- Corporate Legal Departments: For compliance and internal legal research.
- Government Agencies: For reference and policy formation.
Comparisons to Related Terms
LexisNexis
LexisNexis is another major legal research service that competes with Westlaw. While both platforms offer similar types of legal resources and search functionalities, they differ in their user interfaces, additional services (such as news or risk management solutions), and some proprietary content.
Bloomberg Law
Bloomberg Law combines comprehensive legal research with business and financial intelligence, which can be more appealing to corporate legal departments focused on the interplay between law and business. Bloomberg Law’s deeper integration with business news sets it apart from Westlaw’s legal-centric approach.
FAQ
Q: How do I get access to Westlaw? A: Westlaw access is typically granted through subscription services. Law firms, universities, and government agencies usually purchase licenses for their members.
Q: Can Westlaw be accessed remotely? A: Yes, subscribers can access Westlaw remotely via the internet, often requiring login credentials provided by their institution or organization.
Q: Are there training resources available for new users of Westlaw? A: Yes, Westlaw offers various training resources, including webinars, tutorials, and help guides to assist new users.
References
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw official site: www.westlaw.com
- Legal Information Institute - Legal Research: www.law.cornell.edu
- “West’s History.” Westlaw (Thomson Reuters).
Summary
Westlaw is a sophisticated and comprehensive legal research service that is indispensable for legal professionals. By leveraging its vast database and advanced search tools, Westlaw ensures that users can perform thorough and precise legal research. With its historical significance and robust applicability, Westlaw remains a cornerstone in the field of legal information services.
