Ross-Blakley Law Library Blog

Legislative history research got you down? Here are some great resources to help you navigate the waters.

Research Guides:

Law Library of Congress Federal Legislative History
Law Library Federal Legislative History
Law Library Electronic Sources for Federal Legislative History
Law Library Arizona Legislative History

CALI lessons:

Researching Federal Legislative History
Federal Legislative History Research – Compiled Legislative History

Tutorials:

LexisNexis legislative history tutorial (and the Law Library’s research guide on finding legislative information using LexisNexis Congressional ).
HeinOnline’s quick tutorial video to search the HeinOnline Legislative History Library

 
 
Webinars:
 
ProQuest has several upcoming webinars for thier Congressional Digital … Continue Reading

You’ve heard of the Insanity Defense–it’s well known in popular culture, from Clue’s Mrs. Peacock attempting to set herself up for it after being revealed as Mr. Body’s killer to the question of it being used for Jared Lee Loughner.  But do you know what it really is, and how it works?

Over at FindLaw’s blog, there’s a post explaining exactly what the Insanity Defense is.  They include links to a full explanation of the M’Naghten Rule, as well as links to descriptions of different states’ takes on the Insanity Defense.

It’s no secret that many of the Law Library staff are animal lovers. Whether we’re fond of felines or prefer pooches, you would not have to go far to find someone that can testify to the therapeutic effects of our furry friends. The folks at Yale Law Library’s would likely agree; their pilot therapy dog program was a smash with stressed out students.  

So we were touched to read this article about Rosie, a therapy dog who helped a young victim through her courtroom testimony.

This is not the first time a dog has assisted in courtroom proceedings. there’s even an organization, … Continue Reading

Check out this Youtube explores the topic of Legal Research Study Aids.   The conversation takes place between Hololibrarian characters – Bonnie Bright, a second year law school student and Michael Mulligan, a first year law school student.

After you watch the video, stop by the Law Library’s Study Skills Collection located in the Reserve Reading room on the first floor of the Law Library.

 The U.S. Code, a consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States, is now available in a searchable online format.  And it’s free!

Access the U.S. Code

The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI), which helps law schools students use technology to learn about the law, has developed LibTour, a series of electronic law library tours using QR codes. Situated throughout the Ross-Blakley Law Library are LibTour signs that identify important sources that you should be aware of as a law student. The audio files are 1-4 minutes long.  They provide useful information on a particular resource and how it’s used in legal research.

After locating one of the signs, simply use your smartphone or iPad to scan the QR code and you will immediately hear an … Continue Reading

Law Library Hours on Wednesday, August 17 will be 8am – midnight.  Reference assistance will be available from 8:30am – 5pm.

Beginning  Thursday, August 18, library hours will be:

Monday – Thursday: 7am – midnight
Friday: 7am – 10pm
Saturday: 8am – 10pm
Sunday: 10am – midnight

During the Fall semester, Reference assistance will be available Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm.  Please check the Library Hours page for the complete schedule.

The Limited Access policies also go into effect on Thursday, so be sure to carry your Sun Card for access to the library.

Have a great semester!

In an effort to make it easier and more efficient to find books that will help you succeed in law school, the Ross-Blakley Law Library staff has created a Study Skills Collection. Located in the Reserve Reading room on the first floor of the Law Library, the collection brings together an array of study aids, legal research and writing texts, exam and Bar exam materials. Materials in the collection include:

Hornbooks and Nutshells (Some current non-circulating copies are on Reserve at the Circulation Desk)
Legal Research Materials
Books on Legal Writing
Guides on preparing for and writing law school exams
Bar exam preparation materials

All the materials in the Study … Continue Reading

CALI, the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, is a consortium of law schools that researches and develops computer-mediated legal instruction. The CALI Library of Lessons includes more than 800 lessons covering over 30 legal education subject areas. They are designed to augment traditional law school instruction, and are written by law faculty and librarians.

As an ASU Law Student you have access to hundreds of CALI lessons and tutorials.  You can pick up your CALI CD in the library, or you can register online at www.cali.org.  Stop by the front desk of the library for your free authorization code or

This video will help explain to … Continue Reading

Welcome 1Ls!  The Law Library staff welcomes you to the Law Library. We are ready to make your first year of law school a positive and productive experience. Below is a list of some of the services and resources the Law Library provides to you.  For more, please visit the Law Library Website.  Good Luck from the Law Library staff!

Law Library Services for Law Students
Resources for First Year Law Students
Ask A Librarian
Research Now
The Online Library Catalog
The Study Skills Collection
Past Exams
Online Study Room Reservations
Using CALI
The Ross Blakley Law Library is on … Continue Reading