Deciphering Legal Citations: Online Resources

Describes the sources of law in Alaska. Covers statutes, the administrative code, case law, court rules, pattern jury instructions, Alaska’s constitution, executive orders, attorney general opinions, and municipal codes. Both print and internet resources are covered, and links to internet resources are provided.

Lists and explains many of the abbreviations associated with the Alaska legislature, legislative committees and bills.

Illustrates some of the most common types of legal citations people may encounter. While some Massachusetts examples are included, the federal law examples are clear and easy to understand.

Covers how to cite judicial opinions, constitutions and statutes, agency and executive materials such as regulations, and other legal sources. This is a comprehensive guide, suitable for people who are engaged in legal writing.

University of Wales. Cardiff Index to Legal From the website: “This web-based service allows you to search for the meaning of abbreviations for English language legal publications, from the British Isles, the Commonwealth and the United States, including those covering international and comparative law.” Includes some Alaska-specific publications.

If you need to learn more about researching administrative law, federal statutes, legislative history, or judicial opinions, these guides from the Law Library of Congress may help. Although they do include some references to resources on the Library of Congress shelves, they also offer descriptive (how-to) information and links to online sources.