There is a lot to understanding the law, but there are plentiful reliable and vetted resources to help you navigate and understand your rights. Use this guide as starting points to understanding local, state and federal laws and the systems they operate under.
Library Resource
Westlaw
Using Westlaw
Designed primarily for those in the legal profession, this resource can be equally useful to anyone conducting legal research.
Pick a Practice Area or Search by Subject
With both national and New Jersey resources, use the search option to drill down to the specific information you need, weeding the results to narrow to relevant and available content. As an alternative, click on the “Practice Areas” tab on the homepage to select the subject of your search, where options range from “Bankruptcy” and "Estate Planning" to “Workers Compensation.”
Cite Cases or Find Forms
Research to rulings going back decades (or even centuries), which is helpful for finding federal and state courts cases in New Jersey or tracing the path of legal history to determine how laws have developed over time. Westlaw lists the most up-to-date New Jersey administrative code, which dictates the rules and regulations in the state. You can also search statutes that cover topics from construction to education to healthcare, enabling users to learn their rights and responsibilities. Search for legal forms by location, topic, or source, along with information contextualizing and summarizing the forms.
Library Resource
Legal Information Source
Using Legal Information Source
This online resource provides a range of resources written for the layperson that is easy to understand and apply to your legal understanding and needs.
NOLO Series Legal Guides (Books)
This series of legal self-help books and resources is published by Nolo Press, a company specializing in accessible, plain-English legal information written for the general public. Each title helps you navigate common legal issues and includes topics like starting a business, estate planning, selling your home, landlord-tenant disputes, and personal injury claims.
Search across their legal sources
If you're unsure where to get started, begin with a keyword search and select from their results list for the exact article, form or document.
Library Resource
Legal Services of New Jersey
Using Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) coordinates the statewide Legal Services system in New Jersey, providing free legal assistance to lower-income people in civil matters. Part of Legal Services’ mission is to make people more aware of their legal rights and provide helpful information if they choose to pursue a legal case on their own.
Their downloadable pdf documents provides New Jersey-based legal information and covers topics such as domestic violence, child abuse & neglect, tenant's rights and more. While their extensive documents provide detailed legal information, they do not substitute for legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each matter and often requires consultation with an attorney.
Their hotline provides telephone advice, information, and referrals to low-income people in civil legal matters.
In addition, you can check out LSNJ's Divorce in New Jersey: A Self Help Guide in our online resources. Full access to the guide and all the forms are available for you courtesy of BCLS.