John Jay Homestead Historic Site

Today is the birthday of our first U.S. Supreme Court Justice, John Jay. What most law students may not realize is that John Jay was as much a New York farmer as he was a lawyer, member of the Continental Congress, co-author of The Federalist, state and federal judge, diplomat, and Governor of New York.

In Katonah, Westchester County, New York (only about 40 miles by car and one hour by Metro-North train from Grand Central Station) is the John Jay Homestead State Historic Site. A visit to the homestead and farm would make a great law-related country excursion or family trip during semester break or later this year. Jay retired to this farm and lived there until his death in 1829. The farm then remained in the Jay family until the last family resident died in 1953. The Homestead web site provides historical and family accounts, with a virtual tour of the farmhouse Jay designed himself and many other sites on the extensive grounds, which include other historic buildings, formal gardens and woodland walks.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Anti-legalese

It is not just your Legal Writing professors who insist that you write clearly. A judge in Minnesota has issued guidelines on reducing legalese in filings. Two of his rules - never use "and/or" and eliminate superfluous words such as "hereby" and "herein". Not bad advice for writing exams either, I should think.

Thanks to Legal Blog Watch for the tip.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The First Opinion of the New U.S. Supreme Court Term…

…was delivered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court's newest member. Read more here and here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Google Search Features

We all google. Most of us probably use google on a daily basis. But, have you ever taken the time to look at some of the tips that google provides? Just take a few moments to review Google Search Features to improve your search experience.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Borrowing Period for Materials Held on Reserve

As you requested, to increase access to materials maintained on Reserve, ALL RESERVE ITEMS MAY BE BORROWED FOR THREE HOURS. Patrons may request one renewal.

Shortened loan periods for high demand materials:

• Provide support to the needs of our students
• Optimize access
• Offer intensive library use of reserve material for students

Click here for additional information about the Library's borrowing/Circulation policies.




Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Study Break: Tweeting Gettysburg

As mentioned by The Chronicle of Higher Education, historical scholarship has taken on a whole new form. A group is now tweeting famous historical events as though they were occurring in real time today. They began with the Battle of Gettysburg.

So, is historical tweeting a valuable teaching tool, or is it just an unusual way of using Twitter?


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Best 100 Blawgs

I like to prowl the Web thinking that I'm your favorite library cat (at least of the virtual variety), and that this is one of your favorite blogs. But taking a few minutes to discover a new favorite among the hundreds of legal blogs by attorneys and law professors, especially in subject or practice specialties and in career development, can enrich a law student's academic life and professional future. It can also make a great study break during exams.

Earlier this week the American Bar Association announced its Third Annual ABA Journal Blawg 100, representing the 100 best legal blogs for 2009 as selected by the ABA Journal editors. All 100, arranged by categories such as News, Careers, Legal Theory, Practice Specific, and Legal Tech, with companion Twitter feeds, are here to explore. You can also vote for your favorite blog in each category after completing a brief registration. The winners will be announced in the February edition of the ABA Journal. And, if you have a suggestion for a good legal blog to add to our blogroll, or to feature in a future post, let us know.




Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Study Guides

Tis the season for study guides. On the Library's Research Guides web page we have a topical list of study guides available in the Law Library. You can also find this list in print in the Library's handout rack.

Good luck with your studying and on exams!!!

UPDATE: The Office of Academic Support also has a number of study guides and outlines available in its lending library.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

U. S. Government Manual, 2009-10 Edition, Is Now Online

The official handbook of the federal government, the United States Government Manual “provides comprehensive information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. It also includes information on quasi-official agencies, international organizations in which the United States participates, and boards, commissions, and committees. The Manual begins with reprints of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution”.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The Government Domain: A Handful of Classics

The Government Domain: A Handful of Classics by Peggy Garvin gives a good concise overview of some classic U.S. government websites. These are sites that she calls "classic" and that everyone should know. She links to the sites, provides a brief description and tells you the value of the particular site.

The introduction is also a useful brief overview of the rate of change on sites and the fact that many U.S. sites are not google friendly.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat