How to search case law on LexisNexis?
Asked by: Kristian Farrell | Last update: July 20, 2026Score: 5/5 (54 votes)
To find cases on LexisNexis, enter the case name, citation, or keywords into the main search bar on the homepage. Use party names with a "v." (e.g., Mapp v. Ohio) to find specific cases, or use filters on the results page to narrow by jurisdiction, court, or date.
How to search for case law on Lexis?
Lexis: On the home page, select "Cases," then pick the particular jurisdiction of interest (e.g., All federal, 9th Circuit - US Court of Appeals Cases, California Federal District Courts, etc.). Click on "Advanced Search" just above the search bar.
What is the best way to search case law?
You look up case law by its citation, which has its name and where to find it. Often legal guides and other legal texts will include references to case law. These references are called citations. A citation tells you the name of the case, where to find it in a book, and the year it was decided.
How to tell if a case is still good law on Lexis?
Lexis Shepards Symbols
- Red Octagon: Warning Strong Negative Treatment Indicated. ...
- Circle with an exclamation point: ...
- Orange Square with a Q: Questioned: Validity questioned by citing reference. ...
- Yellow Triangle: Possible negative treatment indicated. ...
- Green Diamond with Plus Sign: Positive treatment indicated.
Where can I access US case law?
Government Websites for Case Law Research
The U.S. Government Publishing Office's govinfo website provides access to select federal court decisions from 2004 to the present. Additionally, many individual federal and state appellate courts' websites provide access to recent decisions issued by that court.
How to search for case law
Are court cases public record in the USA?
Yes, court cases are generally public record in the USA, adhering to the principle of open judicial proceedings. While most files are accessible via systems like PACER (federal) or state court websites, exceptions exist for sensitive information (e.g., juvenile cases, trade secrets, or sealed documents).
What does "oye oye oye" mean in court?
"Oyez, oyez, oyez" (pronounced oh-yay) is a traditional court call meaning "Hear ye!" or "Listen!" Derived from Anglo-Norman French and used three times, it serves as a formal command to command silence and attention at the opening of a court session, particularly in the Supreme Court of the United States.
How to check if case law is still good?
To determine whether a case is still good law, you need to check the subsequent history of the case as well as subsequent citations to see how other cases have treated your case by using citators (Shepardizing on Lexis or KeyCiting on Westlaw).
What not to say to the judge?
Never lie, interrupt, argue, or use slang with a judge; always address them as "Your Honor". Avoid saying "I'll let you finish," acting sarcastically, or making excuses for lateness. Do not trash-talk probation officers, blame your attorney, or claim to be innocent while taking a plea. Keep statements brief, truthful, and calm.
Is Lexis better than Westlaw?
Westlaw and LexisNexis are the premier legal research platforms, with Westlaw often preferred for its intuitive interface, superior headnote system (Key Numbers), and comprehensive litigation analytics. Lexis+ is known for strong, practical guidance, flexible pricing, and "Shepard’s" citation service. The choice often depends on whether a firm prioritizes litigation (Westlaw) or transactional work (Lexis).
How to find case law without Westlaw?
Federal District Court Cases
Uses the Google search algorithm to find and rank cases. Click "Case law" and then "Select courts" to choose the jurisdiction(s) you want to search.
Can anyone access PACER?
Yes, anyone can access PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) to view federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy court records, as it is not restricted to attorneys. Users must register for an account, and while there is no registration fee, fees apply for viewing documents, typically $0.10 per page.
What tool can you use to find free versions of case law?
Justia. Justia provides a variety of legal resources for free, including legal guides, federal and state court decisions, codes, regulations, and the annotated version of the U.S. Constitution.
What is the best way to look up case law?
The best way to look up case law depends on whether you need free access or premium, annotated research tools. Google Scholar is the best free, user-friendly option for searching state and federal cases, while PACER is the official, comprehensive source for federal court records.
How to use Lexis search?
Was this helpful?
- Enter your terms in the Search box. The available content is searched.
- (Optional) Select a Category to display first. The search still runs across all categories.
- (Optional) Select one or more Jurisdiction filters. ...
- (Optional) Select View Favorites to apply saved filter sets. ...
- Click Search.
Can I access my LexisNexis report for free?
Yes, you can access your LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Report (including C.L.U.E. reports) for free once every 12 months under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
What annoys a judge?
Judges are most annoyed by wasted time, dishonesty, and lack of preparation. Top irritants include interrupting, being late, misrepresenting facts, acting uncivilly toward opposing counsel, and making arguments that are unorganized or overly emotional.
What is the B word for lawyer?
The "b" word for a lawyer is barrister, which refers to a specific type of lawyer, common in the UK and Commonwealth countries, who specializes in courtroom advocacy and representing clients in higher courts.
What color do judges like to see in court?
Judges appreciate seeing conservative, neutral colors in the courtroom, with navy blue and dark gray (charcoal) being the absolute best choices. These muted, somber tones project respect, seriousness, and professionalism, which helps ensure the judge focuses entirely on the facts of your case.
Can ChatGPT analyze legal documents?
ChatGPT can interpret legal documents by summarizing basic contracts or explaining common legal terms. However, it lacks the legal training, jurisdictional awareness, and accuracy needed for complex or high-risk interpretation.
How to verify case law?
The major tool that is used by legal researchers to check the status of a case is called a case citator. Citators provide a view of the history of cases as they made their way through the courts. They also list subsequent cases and other authorities that have cited the earlier cases.
Is there a free alternative to Westlaw?
There are several excellent free alternatives to Westlaw for finding primary law, though they lack the advanced citators (like KeyCite) and premium secondary sources of paid platforms.
Is Oiga disrespectful?
Joven, niño, camarero (oiga not so much) are very commonly used words to call any waiter's attention in some regions in Spain or Latin America; it is not demeaning at all; it changes from region to region, and since it is regionally used, nobody will ever take those words as rude or disrespectful.
What does Oye mean from a girl?
It's an informal and friendly way to get someone's attention or to ask them to listen. In English, it translates roughly to 'Hey' or 'Listen!'. It's a common word used in casual conversations to grab attention. While 'oye' is informal, it's widely used in everyday situations.
Who is the greatest judge of all time?
John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States (1801–1835), is widely considered the greatest judge in American history for establishing judicial review through Marbury v. Madison. Other historical titans often cited for their massive legal impact include Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Lord Denning, and Bao Zheng.