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Norwalk Campus Library

Norwalk LGL 1001/1002: Legal Research

Legal Databases

Scroll down for tips on how to use our legal databases.

Westlaw Step By Step

Step 1: Type of Content

When you open Westlaw the first screen to appear will display a number of content types within in a box in the center, select one of these types to proceed, for this example, we're going to search for a 'Case.'

When you open Westlaw the first screen to appear will display a number of content types within in a box in the center, select one of these types to proceed, for this example, we're going to search for a 'Case.'

Step 2: Jurisdiction

After clicking 'Case' in Step 1, a screen will appear displaying a number of possible jurisdictions. Select a location to proceed. For this example we will select 'Connecticut.'

After clicking 'Case' in Step 1, a screen will appear displaying a number of possible jurisdictions, select one to proceed, for this example we will select 'Connecticut.'

Step 3: Further Jurisdiction

Selecting Connecticut in Step 2 will bring up a screen with links to Connecticut State and Federal Cases. On this page, if you know what type of court or case that you need, proceed to step 4. Or, if you're unsure, skip to step 5 for less less specific results. For this example we have selected the Connecticut Supreme Court. 

Selecting Connecticut in Step 2, will bring up a screen with multiple options for the type of court the document you're searching for appears in, if you're unsure, you can search now to go directly to step 5 with less specific results, otherwise proceed by clicking the type of court that concerns your research to proceed to step 4. For this example we have selected the CT Supreme Court.

Step 4: List of Recent court Documents

Upon selecting the court, Westlaw will display a list of the ten most recent documents from the court. Or, if you are looking for a specific case argued in the Connecticut Supreme Court, type a case name or keyword into the search box at the top to proceed to step 5.  

Upon selecting the court, Westlaw will display a list of the ten most recent documents from the court, type your search term into the field at the top to proceed to step 5. For the sake of this example we have entered the name of a landmark civil rights case in CT.

Step 5: Search Results

After entering your search term at any point in steps 1-4 and clicking the 'Search' button, you will be presented with a list of documents that fit both the search term and the jurisdiction selected. Select your document by clicking on the link bearing its name.

After entering your search term at any point in steps 1-4 and clicking the 'Search' button, you will be presented with a list of documents that fit both the search term and the jurisdiction selected. Select your document by clicking on the link bearing it's name.