Westlaw - Electronic Legal Database

Westlaw Patron Access is an online legal research service designed especially for use in government and public libraries.

Westlaw can be accessed on public computer workstations at:

• James Lunsford Law Library
• John F. Germany Public Library
• Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library

Westlaw provides primary law sources, such as statutes and cases, as well as secondary source materials. Florida (and all other states) together with Federal cases, statutes and court rules are included. Keycite is also included.

Specialized Databases include:

• Florida Jury Verdicts & Settlements
• American Law Reports
• American Jurisprudence, 2d
• Restatements

A basic familiarity with computer usage and legal research is necessary to use Westlaw successfully. Using a single search box, a user need only select a jurisdiction and then enter one or more search terms to retrieve results. Library staff will assist users with their research at the Westlaw stations to the extent they can without crossing the line of “Unauthorized Practice of Law.”

Limited free printing or photocopying of 10 black and white or 5 color pages per day is provided. Additional printing and photocopying in a given day cost $.05 per page for black and white and $.10 per page for color.

Westlaw/Gale Legal Form Training

Patrons who would like an introduction to Westlaw research are encouraged to join one of the periodic training sessions hosted by West employees. These sessions are usually scheduled once every few months and interested parties may put their names on the contact list to be alerted when the next training session has been scheduled. Training is conducted in the library conference room.