Legal dictionaries help researchers understand the terminology and words used in the text of primary sources of law (statutes, cases, regulations, etc) and are meant to aid in a general understanding of a term. Legal encyclopedias offer broad commentary on a wide range of federal and state laws. The resources below provide a good starting point.
NOLO.com provides accessible, easy-to-understand legal information, including articles, books, and DIY legal forms covering various legal topics such as estate planning, employment law, and family law. It also offers a legal directory to help users find local attorneys and legal services.
Provides various resources for locating legal assistance, including free legal help for low-income individuals, a directory for military families and veterans, and unbiased lawyer referrals. It also offers tools for checking lawyer licensing, resolving issues with lawyers, and accessing straightforward legal information and FAQs.
A project of the Free Law Project, providing free access to millions of legal opinions from federal and state courts.
Offers statistical information and reports on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government.
Provides access to a wide range of legal opinions, case law, and legal articles.