Using The West Key Number System
With all of the information available on the internet, is it really possible to find the exact case that you need quickly?
Every legal researcher’s goal is to find the best way to zero in on a particular legal issue and quickly find on-point cases. However, with all of the information available on the internet, is it really possible to find the exact case that you need quickly? Even if you are able to find a relevant case quickly, can you feel confident that there isn’t another case out there that is a better fit? Surprisingly, the answer to both of these questions is yes.
ABOUT the Key Number System
The Key Number System was the first of its kind when created by West Publishing more than 100 years ago. A master classification system of U.S. law, the Key Number System allows our Attorney Editors to organize cases by corresponding legal issues and topics. Our Key Number Digest books help legal researchers quickly and efficiently find relevant case law among the stacks and shelves in vast law libraries. Few analog tools have made the transition to our digital world better than Key Numbers, and using Key Numbers on Westlaw can make quick work of complicated legal research tasks. Use any of the methods below to take advantage of West’s Key Number System, integrated with KeyCite and always up to date.
BROWSE comprehensive Key Numbers to pinpoint legal concepts
The first step in utilizing the Key Number System is finding an applicable Key Number. The Westlaw homepage link to “Key Numbers” allows you to browse to level of specificity by topic. Alternatively, a link appears under the “Looking for This?” autosuggestion when you start to type Key Numbers in the search bar at the top of the screen.
Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on how to use the West Key Number System.
Silvia Fejka is a Reference Attorney for Thomson Reuters, helping customers daily with formulating search queries and utilizing Westlaw. She has previous experience as a municipal attorney and is barred in both Colorado and Maryland.
BONUS: Check out these related articles for more reference attorney tips:
- Feel Confident that your Legal Research is Complete
- How to Find Legal Cases by Judge or Entity
- Advice for Law Students and New Attorneys Doing Legal Research Online
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