Online Legal Research

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Legal Research Process
There is no one magic formula for legal research and no shortcuts. This guide is our best attempt at demonstrating what the process can be like, particularly using online resources for as many steps as possible:

Research Process (PDF with links to common resources in flow chart format)

State Law Library Provided Resources

The State of Oregon Law Library provides online legal research resources for all Oregonians. The first link is to Fastcase, which is a legal research provider that includes state laws and cases for the Ninth Circuit. The second link is for a Legal Information Center with access to most NOLO titles through Ebscohost. If you need assistance with either research service, feel free to contact us.

Fastcase (will require free registration)

Legal Information Reference Center (will require free registration)

Research Guides
Need help finding legal information? The library has put together a set of research guides on many common legal areas for our patrons. Note that many of the resources listed in the guides are books carried in the library. Some books are located behind the librarian’s desk. If the material is not at the librarian’s desk, then our library has two main areas, the “Main Collection” and the “Oregon Collection” and each is organized by call number (such as KF 8915.O15 2010).

Adoption (pdf)	Finding Forms (pdf)
Bankruptcy(pdf)	Foreclosure(pdf)
Birth Certificates (pdf)	Landlord / Tenant(pdf)
Creditors' Rights (pdf)	Motions(pdf)
Criminal Law(pdf)	Name Change (pdf)
Debtors Rights(pdf)	Pleadings(pdf)
Expunge / Set Aside Criminal Record(pdf)	Traffic Violations and Crimes(pdf)

Forms There are some specialized forms (i.e., name change, expungement) available on the Lane County Circuit Court website. Certain family law forms can be purchased from Lane County Court Cashiers or the Family Court Assistance Office, or accessed online at: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/courts/lane/help/Pages/Forms.aspx The Oregon Justice Department website offers some forms, although most are probably not appropriate to file in Lane County's Circuit Court. The Court Clerk may have information regarding local variations: https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/publications-forms/forms-manuals-reports/

Forms
There are some specialized forms (i.e., name change, expungement) available on the Lane County Circuit Court website. Certain family law forms can be purchased from Lane County Court Cashiers or the Family Court Assistance Office, or accessed online at:
https://www.courts.oregon.gov/courts/lane/help/Pages/Forms.aspx

The Oregon Justice Department website offers some forms, although most are probably not appropriate to file in Lane County's Circuit Court. The Court Clerk may have information regarding local variations: https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/publications-forms/forms-manuals-reports/

Legal assistance providers links and phone:
*Lane County Legal Aid: 541-485-1017
*Lane County Senior Law Services: 541-736-4444
*Oregon State Bar Legal Referral Service: 1-800-452-7636
*Springfield-Eugene Tenant Association (hotline): 541-972-3715

Online Sources of Statutes, Cases, Rules, and Regulations:
Coming soon!

General Legal Information and Research Sites:

Oregon Law Help
A site compiled by legal aid providers in Oregon, it contains information related to landlord-tenant, consumer law, seniors, employment, immigration, and family abuse prevention.

Oregon State Bar Public Information
General legal information from the Oregon State Bar. Good for learning terms and ideas but lacks citation to statutes or cases.

ABA Journal Search
Contains a search box that will search over 400 law journals and law review sources that are available online. Some provide the article in full, while others only provide a preview. If you are unable to access a full article, feel free to contact our library with your citation and we most likely can provide your article.

Library of Congress
Web page maintained by Law Library of Congress, which includes links to federal, state and international law sources. (Warning: some foreign law materials are available in English, but some links are to sites which are in the native language of the country represented, and are not translated.)

NOLO Press
Web site for Nolo Press, which publishes self-help legal guides for non-attorneys. Site includes information pages explaining legal terminology and issues. (Warning: information on this site is not specific to Oregon law and does not constitute legal advice. It is only intended to give users some general information.)