Starting Law School--A Little Help

For 1L's in the midst of orientation and first class assignments, LexisNexis has posted some straightforward background information on the American legal system with common terms and concepts used in studying cases. Take a look at Introduction to the American Legal System, which might be a useful brief guide as you begin your legal studies. The book from which this excerpt is taken, and many other books on the American legal system and legal research, can be found in the Law Library's collection.

We've also compiled, and posted to Research/Research Guides section of the Law Library web site, a list of Study Guides available in the Library, arranged by subject and series. Be sure to stop by the Reference Desk with any questions you may have!



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

WELCOME!!

WELCOME new students to the Law School and Law Library.

It is my job as Virtual Cat to give you the tips on everything you really need to know about the Law Library. And, my hope is to hear many a meow and comment back from you.

So, first things first, get to know the non-virtual Library (o.k., the "real" Library) and a reference librarian by going on a Library Walking Tour. I have copied the schedule below.

Library Walking Tours
½ hour tour will meet inside the Library at the front desk

Week of 8/10
Thurs. 8/13 - 6:30pm
Fri. 8/14 - 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm
Sat. 8/15 - 2pm

Week of 8/17
Mon. 8/17 - 12:30pm, 5:10pm, 6pm
Tues. 8/18 - 1:30pm, 4:10pm, 5pm
Wed. 8/19 - 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Thurs. 8/20 - 4:10pm, 5pm
Fri. 8/21 - 11:30am, 2:10pm, 3pm, 4pm

Good luck and don't forget to have some fun!!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Civil Law Online

Explore a legal tradition that is completely different from the Anglo-American common law system. Sponsored by the Center of Civil Law Studies of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU, Civil Law Online offers a single gathering place of resources for the study of the Civil Law. The menu on the left-hand side of the page provides links to excellent collections of primary and secondary Civil Law resources.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

A Judge for Yosemite National Park

If you love the outdoors, you will be fascinated by this NY Times article about a judgeship for the United States District Court Court in Yosemite National Park. Apparently, the courthouse sits beneath Yosemite Falls and bears have been seen from the windows. Take a look at the accompanying photo slideshow as well.

For nature that is a little closer to home, check out the trails overview from the New York-New Jersey Trails Conference.

Hat tip to Findlaw for the NY Times article.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Ways To Get Your Lost Laptop or Cell Phone Back

Click here to listen to Kim Komando discuss ways to find your lost cell phone or lap top.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Fastcase

For those who are interested in a legal research database that is cheaper than Lexis or Westlaw but don't want to subscribe to a database before using it, Fastcase is offering free 24-hour trials.

If you are a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association or the Florida Bar (or one of about a dozen other groups that aren't near New York), you already have free access to the database.





Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat