Legal Research Topics

The Minnesota State Law Library provides statewide legal reference service and research support to the bench, bar, state government, and public.

Our librarians can assist you by:

• locating legal materials - including electronic resources
• suggesting research strategies and resources
• providing document delivery by email
• locating Minnesota appellate briefs
• checking out books and other library materials
• providing orientation sessions

Our print collection includes: 

• State and federal primary law
• Major treatises & Restatements
• Minnesota treatises and practice guides
• Minnesota Appellate Opinions (1996 to present)
• Minnesota Appellate Briefs
• Minneapolis and St. Paul ordinances
• Legal periodicals
• Legal practice manuals and CLEs
• Items incorporated by reference in the Minnesota Rules
• Formbooks

In our positions as librarians, not lawyers, we can suggest resources but cannot give legal advice (such as which form to file) or legal opinions (such as how a statute might apply to particular facts). To do so could be considered the unauthorized practice of law. Even though we try to suggest materials that will be of help, more research is often required to find a complete and correct answer. For many questions, the best answer may be to consult an attorney.