Westlaw

Definition

Westlaw is an online legal research service and proprietary database for lawyers and legal professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. It provides access to a comprehensive collection of legal resources, including case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources, making it an essential tool for fact-checking and verification in fast-paced environments where accurate information is critical.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Westlaw offers real-time updates on legal developments, enabling users to stay informed about changes in the law as they happen.
2. The platform includes advanced search functionalities that allow users to filter results by jurisdiction, date, or specific legal issues.
3. Westlaw's features include annotated statutes and case law summaries, which help users quickly grasp the implications of complex legal materials.
4. Access to secondary sources such as legal journals and treatises on Westlaw supports thorough fact-checking and context for legal reporting.
5. Training and familiarity with Westlaw are vital for journalists covering legal matters to ensure their reporting is accurate and credible.

Review Questions

• How does Westlaw enhance the fact-checking process for journalists working in fast-paced environments?
  • Westlaw enhances the fact-checking process for journalists by providing immediate access to a vast database of legal resources. Journalists can quickly verify facts related to court cases, statutes, and regulations, ensuring their reporting is accurate. The platform's real-time updates also keep journalists informed about recent legal changes, allowing them to adapt their narratives as needed.
• In what ways do the search functionalities of Westlaw assist legal professionals in locating relevant case law efficiently?
  • Westlaw's advanced search functionalities allow legal professionals to find relevant case law quickly by filtering results based on criteria such as jurisdiction, specific legal issues, or date. This capability is especially useful in time-sensitive situations where accurate legal references are needed promptly. By streamlining the research process, Westlaw saves users valuable time while enhancing their ability to produce credible legal arguments.
• Evaluate the role of Westlaw in maintaining journalistic integrity within legal reporting.
  • Westlaw plays a crucial role in maintaining journalistic integrity within legal reporting by providing reliable access to authoritative legal sources. This ensures that journalists can substantiate their claims with verifiable information, reducing the risk of misinformation. Additionally, the platform's comprehensive resources support nuanced reporting on complex legal matters, allowing journalists to present informed perspectives while upholding ethical standards in their work.

Related terms

Legal Research: The process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making, often involving databases like Westlaw.

Case Law: Law established by the outcomes of former court cases, which Westlaw provides extensive access to for legal analysis and precedent.

Citation: A reference to a legal case, statute, or regulation that allows users to locate the source material within databases like Westlaw.