I'm looking for an explanation of a law (secondary source). Where do I start?

Secondary sources in the field of law offer analysis, commentary, or restatements of primary law, and are used to help locate and explain primary sources of law. Law dictionaries, legal encyclopedias, law journal articles, treatises, looseleafs, and legal directories are examples of secondary sources.

The Law Library of Congress has published an online research guide providing an overview of these types of materials, aimed at the beginning legal researcher. Researchers can visit Legal Research: A Guide to Secondary Resources to start their research.


Last Updated: Jul 13, 2023
Views: 229

Learn More

Follow Us

Additional Ways to Contact Us

Send written correspondence to:

The Law Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue
Washington, DC 20540-4860

Please Note

We cannot provide legal advice, interpretation, or analysis which could be interpreted as the practice of law; extensive bibliographies or legislative histories; or answers for student homework assignments.