Finding Law

In order to know 'the law', you need to be able to find 'the law'. You will never know every area of law as a law student or indeed in legal practice but you do need to know how to find it. Legal research skills are essential for you to excel in your law degree studies, and should you go on to practice law in the future.

Get to grips with legal research skills early in the process, and you will reap the rewards!

Some of the key databases/sites you should be familiar with:

Bailii (free, open access - case law)

Cardiff Index for Abbreviations (free, open access - search for abbreviations you don't understand)

Westlaw (legal database for full-text case law and legislation, journal articles - you need a subscription)

Legislation.gov.uk (free, open access - but a word of caution regarding amended updates)

Houses of Parliament (free, open access)