Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.
Primary legal sources include:
They are the authoritative, written statements of the law itself. See the Primary Sources page to learn more.
Secondary legal materials are resources that explain, analyze, or comment on the law. They include:
Some secondary sources provide basic introductory information on a topic. Others offer detailed, in-depth analysis of the law and how it functions. See the Secondary Sources page to learn more.
A secondary source like an encyclopedia is an excellent starting place to start your legal research.
Secondary sources tell you where you can find laws on the topic, how the law has been interpreted, and how the law has been applied. Secondary sources will often also recommend further resources to research.
If what you're seeking is what the law says about a specific topic, starting with a primary source like the Texas statutes may be sufficient.
See the What Resources Should I Use? page of this guide for more tips.
The Law Library of Congress offers monthly webinars that give attendees a basic overview of the legal research process and resources. Learn more at the link below.
Texas residents can access e-books with a free library account.
Available when you visit the library in person.
Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.
