Primary and Secondary Sources in Legal Research
Primary sources
In legal research, primary sources are the law itself. This may include city ordinances, state and federal statutes, agency regulations, and case law.
You are expected to use at least 4 primary legal sources beyond class readings in your paper.
Secondary sources
In legal research, secondary sources are those that analyze or discuss the law. These include books, law review articles, and news articles.
You may use secondary sources in a limited way in your paper.
Guides to Research
You may be interested in exploring guides to research in related topics, such as environmental science, environmental history, or other relevant disciplines. Browse the subject guides for areas related to your topic to find databases and other recommended resources to help you in your research.
Here are a few Research by Subject guides that may be useful:
Databases
- Gale in Context: Environmental Studies This link opens in a new windowGale in Context: Environmental Studies (formerly GreenR) is an interdisciplinary resource that offers wide ranging and discussion of issues related to the environment, sustainability, and green technologies. Gale in Context: Environmental Studies is an interactive tool, allowing users to navigate by issue, organization and country portals, with access to popular and primary literature, websites, organizations, podcasts, and video.
- GreenFILE This link opens in a new windowGreenFILE is a research database focusing on the relationship between human beings and the environment, with well-researched but accessible information on topics ranging from global warming to recycling to alternate fuel sources and beyond. Comprised of scholarly and general interest titles, as well as government documents and reports, GreenFILE offers a unique perspective on the positive and negative ways humans affect the environment.
- Statista This link opens in a new windowProvides access to quantitative data on media, business, finance, politics, and more.
- Web of Science This link opens in a new windowProvides access to Science Citation Index Expanded (1900-present), Social Sciences Citation Index (1900-present) and Arts & Humanities Citation Index (1975-present).
Subject Librarian
Research Help Area Rm 109
jbhm001@bucknell.edu
Phone: 570.577.2055
Text the Library @ 570-487-3898
Office Hours: M-F by appointment