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Secondary Resources for Law

A guide to help you locate and use secondary sources for Australian legal research.

Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias, and Bibliographies

Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias, and Bibliographies

Legal Dictionaries

Legal dictionaries are used to find the meaning of a word or phrase. Legal dictionaries provide authoritative and often detailed definitions and place terms in their legal context. Dictionaries often cite key cases and legislation which define terms. It is useful to take note of these additional terms, as you may be able to use them in your research as search terms to find relevant journal articles or books.

Encyclopaedias

Legal encyclopaedias provide succinct summaries on legal topics. Each topic is written by an expert and regularly reviewed so the information is relevant and accurate to current law. They are arranged by subject and include citations to legislation and case law.

Bibliographies

A legal bibliography contains key books, journals, journal articles, case law and legislation on a topic. They are a useful reference tool to locate relevant information on your area of law.

Looking for Subject or Jurisdiction Specific Commentary Service?

Research Guides

The library has created a range of guides specific to jurisdictions and subject areas.

For more information about looseleaf dictionaries & encyclopaedias for the subject area you are interested in, thResearch Guides collection for each topic or jurisdiction will include essential commentary services. Alternatively, check the Research Databases by Type (Reference & Encyclopaedias section) for the area of law you are researching.