To find information on a specific legal topic try these resources:
- Alberta Law Libraries Research Guides – see if there is a research guide on the specific topic you are dealing with.
- Canadian Legal FAQs – contains a collection of legal questions and answers organized by jurisdiction and topic.
- Center for Public Legal Education (CPLEA) – reliable source for legal information on a variety of legal topics.
- Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS) – provides publications on many legal topics. Look under the resources tab for civil law, criminal law, family law and legal reform.
- Search our catalogue to find textbooks on your subject or use a legal research textbook like one of the following: Legal research: step by step by Arelene Blatt, Jo Ann Kurtz, Ultimate guide to Canadian legal research, 4th ed. by Maureen F. Fitzgerald, Susan Barker.
- Enter the search term “Public Legal Information“. This will bring up items we have marked in our collection as useful for the public.
- The Irwin law texts provide a good overview on various areas of law. These texts are also available remotely for members of the public with a library membership.
- Self counsel press materials are designed for those without a legal background.
- Browse our reference section for popular books on various subjects.
- Canadian Encyclopedic Digest (C.E.D.) Western, 4th ed. – the current version is available electronically through Westlaw Canada in our library locations. It provides a good starting point for information on specific areas of law. With an Alberta Law Library public membership you can request 14 day remote access to Westlaw Canada, by emailing us for a 14-day limited access code.
- Ask a librarian for assistance.
Glossaries and dictionaries
Online
- Glossary of Legal Terms – Law Society of Alberta
- Glossary of Legal Terms – Steps to Justice Ontario
- Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd ed.
- Irwin Law’s Canadian Online Legal Dictionary
- Emond Glossary of Legal Terms
In Print
Legal dictionaries at Alberta Law Libraries:
- Black’s Law Dictionary, 11th ed., by Bryan A. Garner – American
- The Dictionary of Canadian Law, 5th ed. by Nancy McCormack
- The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Canadian Law by Kevin McGuinness
Online research resources
- Canadian Legal Research and Writing Guide – Melanie R. Bueckert et al
- Is it reliable? 6 clues to good legal information online
- Legal Research and Writing – Ted Tjaden
- Seven steps to solving a legal problem
- Accessing Justice: Canadian Legal System
- Canada’s System of Justice – Justice Canada
Case Law and Legislation
Looking for Case Law or Legislation to support your case?
- Start by looking for cases from the same jurisdiction – Alberta
- Cases from higher court levels have more standing when referred to in court.
- Court levels in Alberta from lowest to highest:
Research Cases and Legislation
- Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII)
- CanLII Primer Legal Research Principles and CanLII Navigation for self-represented litigants – how to use CanLII
- Lexis Advance® Quicklaw® – at Alberta Law Library locations.
- Westlaw Canada – at Alberta Law Library locations or for registered members request remote 14 day access here. Members of the public can request remote membership too.
- Reading and Understanding Case Reports: A Guide for Self-Represented Litigants – how to read case law and find relevant cases
- For further information see our research guide: Finding and Researching Cases – Alberta
- For help with citing cases in your court documents see our research guide: Citing Cases
Disclaimer: As law librarians, we are pleased to provide you this resource for information and research purposes only – It is not a substitute for professional legal advice. We strive to bring you quality and current information in this resource, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, accessibility, adequacy, or completeness of the information presented here. The sources featured are selected based on professional assessment and opinion, and do not constitute an endorsement, editorial, review, or guarantee.