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.