1L Resources, Tips and Tools

This is an open-access CALI e-textbook. CALI requests a user's name, email & law school to access this e-textbook.
Excerpt from CALI's description: "First, the text introduces students to the major sources of American law and describes the forms the various authorities traditionally took in print. After establishing this base, the text proceeds to instruct students on the methods they will most likely use in practice, namely electronic research techniques and the consultation of secondary sources. Sources of Law incorporates screencasts currently hosted on YouTube that actively demonstrate the processes described in the static text. Finally, the text illustrates how the different pieces come together in the legal research process."
"What's New in the Eighth Edition: The Eighth Edition primarily expands Chapter 9’s discussion of the research process to compare currently available legal generative AI tools to previously existing research tools such as secondary sources and electronic citators. That expansion also addresses some of the AI tools’ limitations and further discusses how thoughtful evaluation of available research tools can affect the research process."

BLS has 1 copy of this ebook. In SARA catalog record, click: ACCESS ONLINE VERSION - EBC. First time users click: CREATE ACCOUNT.

Note: On July 23, 2023, BLS librarians learned that a new ed. of Fundamentals is under development. Fundamentals is an excellent research tool for those who need to conduct advanced (or in-depth) legal research.

Co-authored by BLS Associate Librarian & Adjunct Professor Kathy Darvil. BLS Library's team is tracking availability of the new edition in fall 2025.