This newly updated textbook and course reference is designed specifically for advanced legal research classes and for upper-level students who want to achieve a better understanding of how to use the sources of legal information that they learned about in their introductory courses. It provides in-depth guidance through the research process, advice on format selection, and detail about the tools and techniques needed to function as skilled legal researchers. Up to date discussion of all media is fully integrated throughout. It focuses on the types of information the researcher needs, rather than on descriptions of particular information products.

The fifth edition discusses all the newest material available to legal researchers, such as new sources of information on the Internet, including Congress.gov. New subscription databases are also covered, including ProQuest Legislative Insight. The fifth edition also features enlarged chapters on foreign and international law, as well as extensively updated material throughout the book.