Research and Source Gathering: Australia

From my cozy spot near the Reference Desk, I've been watching many students face the challenge of their first source gathering assignment for one of the law journals. Among the most challenging sources to locate are cases, statutes, and law journal articles from foreign countries, including Australia, which is is a popular jurisdiction for authors treating family law and other social science-related topics.

To get off to a good start in understanding the landscape of the Australia's government and legal system, including the courts and legislatures of its states and territories, start with two of my favorite research guides: Researching Australian Law, by Nicholas Pengelley and Sue Milne, published on the legal research and technology site LLRX.com; and Update: A Guide to Online Research Resources for the Australian Federal Legal System with some Reference to the State Level, by Petal Kinder, Court Librarian at the High Court of Australia. This and many other country research guides are available on GlobaLex, the site of New York University's Hauser Global Law School Program.
       

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat