Online databases

Definition

Online databases are digital collections of organized information that can be accessed via the internet, often used for research and reference. These databases provide access to a wide range of secondary sources, such as articles, books, and legal documents, which are essential for thorough legal research and citation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Online databases are commonly used in legal research to access secondary sources like law review articles and treatises, which can provide context and commentary on legal issues.
2. Many online databases offer advanced search features, allowing users to filter results by date, subject matter, or type of document to find relevant information quickly.
3. Popular online databases for legal research include Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline, each providing unique collections of legal materials.
4. Access to some online databases may require a subscription or institutional login, limiting availability for individual users but often accessible through law schools or libraries.
5. The use of online databases has transformed legal research by making a vast amount of information readily accessible, enhancing both the efficiency and scope of research efforts.

Review Questions

• How do online databases facilitate the process of legal research?
  • Online databases streamline legal research by providing quick access to a vast array of secondary sources, including articles and commentaries. Researchers can easily navigate through organized collections of information, utilizing advanced search features to refine their results based on specific criteria. This accessibility allows for more efficient gathering of relevant materials that inform legal arguments and understanding of case law.
• What role do citations from online databases play in the integrity of legal writing?
  • Citations derived from online databases are crucial for maintaining the integrity of legal writing as they provide verifiable references to the sources used. Properly citing secondary sources ensures that credit is given to original authors and allows readers to locate the cited materials easily. This practice upholds academic standards and reinforces the credibility of legal arguments presented in scholarly works.
• Evaluate the impact of online databases on traditional legal research methods and discuss potential challenges they present.
  • Online databases have significantly impacted traditional legal research methods by shifting the focus from physical archives and libraries to digital resources. This transition has improved efficiency and accessibility but also presents challenges such as information overload due to the sheer volume of available data. Additionally, reliance on these databases may lead to issues with verifying source credibility and understanding the context in which information was produced, highlighting the importance of critical evaluation skills in modern legal research.

Related terms

Legal Research:

The process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making, often utilizing various resources including online databases.

Citation:

A reference to a source of information, providing the necessary details for readers to locate that source; citations are crucial when using secondary sources from online databases.

Primary Sources: Original legal documents or evidence, such as statutes or case law, which are distinct from secondary sources found in online databases.