Legal Reference Resources for Public Librarians

Evaluating a legal website is not that different from evaluating any other resource, but there are some additional considerations for legal materials. Revision dates are extremely important, as the law changes frequently. It is also important to understand that the law is different from state to state, so jurisdiction should be considered when using legal resources. Below are links to guides that can help you identify additional questions you should ask to evaluate an unknown online legal resource.  

The following resources offer guidance for finding legal information online. If you are not sure where to find a resource on a particular topic, you can always contact the Minnesota State Law Library for assistance at askalibrarian@courts.state.mn.us or (651) 297-7651.

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.