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Law: NY Courts & Federal Courts

This is a Guide to Fordham University Libraries' information resources in the general discipline of Law for non-Law students..

Courts and Case Law

Unsure about how to find information about cases and other court-related documents? Request research help from one of the librarians listed on this guide. We can help you over email or meet with you in person or via Zoom.

►   If you are a student enrolled at Fordham University School of Law, please consult the resources for lawyers at The Maloney Library.

New York State Unified Court System

Federal Court System

US Supreme Court: One court that creates binding precedent on all courts below it. The US Courts of Appeals is thirteen circuits (12 regional and 1 for the federal circuit) that create binding precedent on the District Courts in their region, but not binding on courts in other circuits and not binding on the Supreme Court. US District Courts are Ninety-four districts (1 district court and 1 bankruptcy court each) plus the US Court of International Trade and the US Court of Federal Claims. District Courts must adhere to the precedents set by the Supreme Court and the Circuit Court of Appeals in which they sit.

Image credit: Reformatted "Hierarchy and precedence in the federal court system" chart via the Library of Congress.

Library Databases with State and Federal Cases

→ Use the Nexis Uni video tutorials for help finding cases.

→ Use the HeinOnline database tips for search assistance.

Open Access Databases

Reference & Instruction Department

Reference & Instruction Department
Fordham University Libraries

Walsh Library  ♦  Rose Hill Campus  ♦  718-817-3586   
Quinn Library  ♦  Lincoln Center Campus  ♦  212-636-6050   
Fordham Westchester Library  ♦  Fordham Westchester Campus  ♦  914-367-3061 
library@fordham.edu   ♦   text 71-TXTX-1284 ♦  Ask a Librarian (Chat)