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Law: Start -- Reference Sources

This guide was created for Fordham's undergraduate and non-Law School researchers. It highlights resources in the Fordham University Libraries collection. Law School students should visit the Maloney Library website.

Introduction

Aimed at undergraduate and graduate researchers in the humanities and social sciences who use legal and government sources in their research and scholarship, this guide provides an overview of legal resources and search tips covering the United States, the State of New York, and a small selection of international law materials.

►   For in-depth questions, email the librarians listed on this guide to request a research consultation.

►   If you are a Fordham University School of Law student or faculty member, please visit The Maloney Library website or reach out directly to Fordham's team of law librarians.

 

Open access symbol  Resources marked with this open lock are open access. This means the items are free for anyone to use regardless of affiliation to Fordham.

Background Research with General Encyclopedias

Curious about a legal topic but not sure where to start? Use encyclopedias to find background information. Make a list of names of people, cases, places, dates, etc. related to your topic. These words will be your search terms as you look through other sources and databases.

Open Access Resources & Guides

Interested in Law School?

If you think that you may be interested in law school you should spend some time reviewing the information provided by The Law School Admission Council (LSAC). LSAC administers the LSAT and provides a wealth of free information about preparing for and taking the LSAT test, selecting a law school, applying to a law school, types of law school programs, specialties within the field of law, and diversity in law school. 

It is recommended that you review the LSAC website content before you purchase an LSAT test prep book, or enroll in a law school preparatory program.

Print Reference Sources

Reference & Instruction Department

Reference & Instruction Department
Fordham University Libraries

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