Law and Legal Research
Introduction
This guide highlights resources for finding answers to basic legal questions.
The referral section lists local organizations which you can call, visit, email, or text for legal information or advice, and in some cases, referral to an attorney.
The Information section points you to basic sources of legal information.
How to Research a Legal Problem provides pointers for doing legal research online and at libraries.
Legal Databases at the BPL
Fastcase is a comprehensive, nationwide law library, including case law, statutes, regulations, court rules, constitutions, and law review articles. Visit the Fastcase help feature for tutorials and other tips for effective searching. Only available at Boston Public Library.
HeinOnline contains more than 140 million pages and 125,000 titles of legal history and government documents in a fully searchable, image-based format. Only available at Central Library.
LawDepot allows you to create your own personalized legal documents specific to your state/province and personal situation. LawDepot is now available through OverDrive. Log in using the Libby app or website.
Thousands of legal forms with more forms being added daily. Official, State Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate, and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues. Includes an Attorney Database organized by practice area.
The Social Law Library in Boston has made a subset of its legal research databases available to public library patrons in Massachusetts. These databases focus on legal topics relevant to Massachusetts, both state and federal. Please ask a BPL librarian for access to this resource. Only available at Boston Public Library.