NY State Newspapers Database

For law students trying to find background and public opinion for New York legislation and legislative history, this database is a find. New York State Newspapers contains more than 2 million articles from over 40 newspapers representing regions and communities throughout the state. Spanning a wide range of geography and perspective from the New York Post and Albany Times Union to the Buffalo News and Cornell Daily Sun, this fully browseable and searchable resource includes material from 1980 to the present, along with publication facts for each newspaper.

To access New York State Newspapers, select "Axinn Research Databases by Subject" from the Law Library's alphabetical list of Online Resources. After logging into the Hofstra portal, select "Newspapers," and locate New York State Newspapers in the newspaper database list.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Skills Employers Expect You to Know

Attorneys, law firm and corporate librarians all agree that new attorneys need certain research skills. Brush up on yours at the Library's Top 10 Research Skills workshops. This is the last week they will be available.

1Learn how to develop a research strategy and find out when to STOP researching - Monday, March 28, 12:10 – 1pm in Room 242 (repeated on March 30, 1:10-2pm in Room 242)

2. Missed the first workshop on how to find statutes and regulations? There will be a repeat on Monday, March 28, 1:10 – 2pm in Room 242

3. Missed the first workshop on Getting Background with Secondary Sources? There will be a repeat on Wednesday, March 30, 12:10-1pm in Room 242.

Pizza will be served at all sessions.

No need to sign up.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

An Execution Because Of Missed Legal Paperwork?

In a story-line reminiscent of Kafka, the U. S. Supreme Court will decide later this year whether an Alabama man can be executed because his attorneys missed a filing deadline. Read more here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

U.S. Government response to Bit.Libya

Did you know that bit.ly is a Libyan domain name? Because of this, the U.S. government is now looking smart for moving its short URLs to go.usa.gov.

[hat tip: 3 Geeks and a Law Blog]


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Online Resources: White Collar Crime Report (BNA)

BNA's White Collar Crime Report follows legal developments affecting the prosecution and defense of fraud and other white collar crimes. It allows the user to track litigation and other legal developments involving white collar crime cases in all federal courts, and significant legal developments in state courts.

To access White Collar Crime Report (BNA):

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Click the "Commercial and Corporate Law" link
• Scroll down to "White Collar Crime Report (BNA)"

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Statistical Abstract of the United States

Have you ever used the Statistical Abstract of the United States? Published since 1878 it is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political and economic organization of the United States.

The U.S. budget for 2012 does not contain funding for the Statistical Compendia Branch (Census). The result of the lack of funding is the elimination not only of the Statistical Abstract but of all titles produced by this Branch.

If you think the Statistical Abstract should be saved, please contact your U.S. representative and Senators.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Interesting paper on laptops in law school classrooms

The issue of laptops in law school classrooms has been an ongoing issue for several years now. Law schools across the country have taken different approaches on laptop use in the classroom. Recently, law professor Kristen Murray, from Temple University James E. Beasley School of concluded that laptops should be allowed in the classroom as they can enhance the educational experience of students. Her conclusions are based on a survey of law students about how they use their laptops to support their learning. Based on the results, Murray argues that many of our assumptions in this debate are incorrect especially in light of changing classroom dynamics. She also provides thoughts and examples of alternatives to laptop bans. Read the full article here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat