Is a Law Dictionary free to use?

Asked by: Rosalinda Goodwin  |  Last update: May 8, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (62 votes)

Yes, many excellent law dictionaries are free to use online, offering extensive definitions for legal terms, while some mobile apps provide free access with ads, and premium versions or full database access (like Westlaw) typically require paid subscriptions. Key free resources include Cornell's Wex, FindLaw, and Nolo, providing accessible legal information for students, professionals, and the general public.

What legal dictionary do lawyers use?

The two most commonly used legal dictionaries are Black's Law Dictionary and Ballentine's Law Dictionary.

Is Black's Law Dictionary free online?

The second edition of Black's Law Dictionary, published in 1910, is now in the public domain and is widely reproduced online.

Do law students still use Black's Law Dictionary?

The most commonly used legal dictionary in the United States is Black's Law Dictionary, but there are a number of other titles available.

What is the best legal dictionary?

Most lawyers use Black's Law Dictionary, which I think is the one most often cited in court opinions. There's also Ballentine's Law Dictionary from the competitor of the publisher of Black's. There are a variety of other smaller ones and a bunch that focus on legal niches too.

What Is Black's Law Dictionary Used For? - The Language Library

32 related questions found

What is the price of Black's law dictionary?

₹6,985.00. For more than a century, Black's Law Dictionary has been the gold standard for the language of law. Today, it's the most widely cited law book in the world. By Editor in Chief Bryan A.

Is Merriam-Webster a law dictionary?

A convenient, comprehensive guide to the language of law.

Do judges use Black's law?

The use of dictionaries at the Supreme Court is increasingly popular for various reasons. Black's Law Dictionary is the most frequently used U.S. legal dictionary.

What is a mistake according to Black's Law Dictionary?

According to Black's Law Dictionary, the definition of a "mistake" is "some unintentional act, omission, or error arising from ignorance, surprise, imposition, or misplaced confidence." The law recognizes that mistakes are a natural part of the human experience, and in many legal contexts, judges have the discretion to ...

Which dictionary does Harvard use?

Harvard uses various dictionaries, but prominently features the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) for historical and comprehensive English, while its Law School's style guide points to Merriam-Webster for general spelling, and the Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE) (published by Harvard University Press) is also a key resource. 

What is the legal difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

A lawyer is someone with a law degree (J.D.) who has studied law, while an attorney at law (or attorney) is a lawyer who has passed the state bar exam and is licensed to practice law, meaning they can represent clients in court and provide official legal advice. In essence, all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys, as some lawyers work in legal fields without being licensed to practice in court.
 

What does illegal mean Webster dictionary?

: not according to or authorized by law : contrary to or in violation of a law : unlawful, illicit. also : not sanctioned by official rules (as of a game)

Is there a free app for a dictionary?

WordWeb 10.54 Free* version

More than 10 million downloads! The program has a full dictionary and thesaurus for American, British, Canadian, Australian, Indian, and global English.

Where can I access Black's Law Dictionary?

You can also access Black's Law Dictionary online via Westlaw: https://www.westlaw.com/Browse/Home/SecondarySources/BlacksLawDictionary?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&VR=3.0&RS=cblt1.0 (or slowly type in Black's Law Dictionary in the search bar on the homepage of Westlaw, and it will appear as a ...

What is slang for a lawyer?

Common slang for lawyers includes derogatory terms like "shyster," "ambulance chaser," and "mouthpiece," alongside more neutral or affectionate terms like "legal eagle," "counsel," and "attorney," with regional British terms being "barrister" or "solicitor". 

What are the 5 rules of negligence?

The five elements of negligence are Duty, Breach, Causation (Cause-in-Fact), Proximate Cause, and Damages, requiring a plaintiff to prove the defendant owed a legal duty, failed that duty reasonably, and that failure directly and foreseeably led to actual harm or injury, for which compensation can be sought. 

What is the common mistake law?

Common mistake (where the mistake is shared by both parties, is fundamental and directly affects the basic definition of what the parties are contracting for). The mistake will render the contract void if it robs it of all substance. Mutual mistake (where the parties are at cross-purposes with one another).

What are the 5 C's of a contract?

What are the 5 C's of a contract? The 5 C's are: Consent: Agreement on the same terms (Section 13), Capacity: Parties must be competent (Section 11), Consideration: Something of value exchanged (Section 2(d)), Certainty: Terms must be clear (Section 29) and Compliance: Must align with legal requirements (Section 23).

What is the Four Corners rule in black law?

: a rule holding that if a document (as a contract, deed, or will) appears on its face to be complete no outside evidence may be used to challenge it NOTE: The number of states that accept the four corners rule is in decline.

What is a judge not allowed to do?

Judges are prohibited from engaging in improper conduct that compromises fairness, impartiality, or integrity, including accepting bribes, showing bias (based on race, gender, etc.), discussing cases privately with one side, using their office for personal gain, making political endorsements, or acting rudely, and must recuse themselves from conflicts of interest, all while upholding the law and avoiding the appearance of impropriety.
 

Can I wear a black suit as a lawyer?

Best Suit Colors for Commanding Respect

The best colored suit for a lawyer is navy blue or charcoal grey. Avoid black suits, as they are overly formal and hard to pair with other colors or shirt.

What words have been removed from the dictionary?

Words taken OUT of the dictionary

  • Vitamin G: It now goes by its new name — riboflavin.
  • Hodad: Comes from the 1960s and basically means someone pretending to be a surfer dude. ...
  • Frutescent: An adjective meaning “like a shrub.”
  • Sternforemost: A ship moving backward. ...
  • Snollygoster: From the 19th century.

What is a Throttlebottom?

Throttlebottom in American English

(ˈθrɑtlˌbɑtəm) noun. (sometimes lc) a harmless incompetent in public office.

How much is a 1934 Webster dictionary worth?

The value of a 1934 Webster's Dictionary varies widely, from around $20-$30 for common editions (like the Daily Use or Modern Home & School) to over $100 for the larger, unabridged versions (like Webster's New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed.), depending heavily on condition, specific title, binding (leather fetches more), and completeness. Expect less for worn copies and significantly more for excellent or rare editions.