Author Archives: Sydney Jackson

03.10.26
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Lucky to Be at GSU: Computer Lab

You may not know this, but on the 5th floor of the Law Library, you can find a dedicated computer lab reserved exclusively for law students. The lab provides access to the ENTIRE Adobe Suite (think Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, etc.) as well as easy printing straight to the library printers. Of course, you can use computers to conduct any research or studying that you would normally do in preparation for your classes or jobs.

Reliable access to research tools and technology is essential in law school. Luckily, the 5th floor computer lab is just another resource that the Law Library provides that may give you a little more luck when doing legal research and writing!

03.04.26
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Lucky to Be at GSU: Reference Desk & Research Help

To kick off the “Lucky to Be at GSU” series, the Law Library wants to highlight one of the most valuable resources in the building: research assistance.

Legal research can be time consuming and often incredibly frustrating. Whether you are searching for an on-point case, tracking down a specific statute, or trying to determine whether something is still good law, you do not have to figure it out alone.

The reference desk is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.​​ on Fridays, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with librarians and trained-student GRAs available to assist with research questions, source selection, or anything else you may need. If you are working outside of the staffed hours, help is still available. You can use the chat reference feature on the left side of the Law Library website, email questions to lawreference@gsu.edu, or call (404) 413-9102.

Sometimes a quick conversation can save you significant time on your research. Or maybe you just want to talk through a research strategy before you start.  Either way, having access to experienced research support is something we are truly lucky to have at GSU.

03.02.26
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Research Refresh: Building a Targeted Search

Introducing Research Refresh

Whether we like it or not, legal research is not a skill we learn once during 1L in Research Methods and never revisit. Instead, it develops over our entire careers, and small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in efficiency and accuracy. To help students hone their research skills, the law library is launching a new series called Research Refresh.

Each installment will focus on one practical research habit or skill, which can help students make the kinds of small changes that save time, improve research abilities, and reduce frustration. Some posts will cover foundational strategies, while others will highlight tools that are easy to overlook or you may have forgotten after your 1L year.

If there is a research skill you would like to see covered, or a question you have run into more than once, we welcome your suggestions. You can reach out to the reference desk or contact the law library directly with topic ideas!

Building a Targeted Search

To start the series off, this post provides guidance on how to reset or sharpen the ability to build searches to get targeted and on-point results without spending hours searching for the perfect case. This post will discuss choosing terms, using connectors, and considering jurisdiction.

Choosing Terms: By mid-semester, many students have settled into a research routine. You open Westlaw or Lexis, type in a general issue or a few keywords, and start scrolling. If the results are not great, you completely change your search. If they are overwhelming, you skim faster or add more to your search, potentially missing some helpful law. If you are caught in this cycle, it may be time to rethink your search terms before you hit enter.

One common mistake is not knowing when to focus on facts and when to focus on overarching legal concepts. If you are at the beginning stages of research, just trying to understand a general principle or lay out initial rule statements, your search terms should emphasize broader issues, areas of law, or recognized terminology rather than every fact from your scenario.  For example, instead of typing “neighbor tree damages trespass property,” you might search “trespass property damages” to capture the broader rules before narrowing. This way, you will avoid missing seminal cases on the issue or applications of the principle in different contexts.

Later on in the research process, however, the facts may become more helpful than the general concepts. Using precise facts from your pattern can lead to finding a case that is highly analogous, which can provide a powerful comparison in your memo or brief.  Include facts intentionally, but don’t overload your search with every minor detail. Think about which details are central to the legal issue and the court’s ruling.

Using Connectors: Another strategy to keep in mind is refining your search with connectors, making sure you are doing so to your advantage and not your detriment. Using Boolean terms like AND, NOT, and OR, or other proximity connectors thoughtfully can dramatically improve your search results. They allow you to combine several relevant concepts or focus on more targeted results. On the other hand, using connectors incorrectly can significantly change your results and cause you to miss valuable information. If you are not seeing what you expect, check your connectors before assuming the database has nothing helpful (sometimes small adjustments like adding parentheses or changing “or” to “and” make a big difference). See this research guide from Georgetown Law if you need a refresher on connectors.

Consider jurisdiction: Finally, consider jurisdiction at the beginning of your search. Narrowing to the correct court or state early can prevent you from spending time on persuasive authority when you need binding law.

Strong searches rarely happen by accident. Taking a few minutes to consider concepts versus facts, check connectors, and set jurisdiction can save hours of frustration later. If you need help developing search strategies for a current assignment, the law library is always available for research support.

10.28.25
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Focus Pocus: Study Aids to Cast Away Exam Fright

Exams creeping up on you? Feeling haunted by outlines that refuse to finish themselves? Grab your wand (or your laptop) and let the library’s study aids help you conjure some exam magic.

Summon Your Study Spirits (Online)

COL students have access to three main, spellbinding online study aid collections, all free through the library:

  • West Academic Study Aids – Coverage of almost every law school course. You will find case briefs, outlines, overviews, and exam prep titles, including the Acing series, video lectures, and interactive practice questions (Exam Pro), as well as Sum & Substance Audio lectures if you prefer to listen while you stir the cauldron (or commute).
  • Aspen Learning Library – Home to student favorites like Examples & Explanations, Emanuel CrunchTime, and Glannon Guides. You can read online or download chapters for offline use, perfect for late-night potion-making (aka outlining).
  • CALI Lessons – More than 1,000 short, interactive lessons and tutorials that test your knowledge topic by topic. Think of them as flash spells: small but powerful.

You can find them all on the Law Library’s Study Aid Finder, organized by database so you can search faster than a witch on a Nimbus 2000. Access it here: https://libguides.law.gsu.edu/az.php?q=study%20aids

For Those Who Prefer the Tangible Spellbook

Some of these digital resources also have physical copies right in the library. On the fifth floor, past the circulation desk and to the left, you will find a shelf on the back wall of all of the most recent editions of our most popular study aids. You can also visit the GSU Law Library online catalog and see what we have available in our physical collection.

The display pairs a few favorite print study aids with their online versions, so you can choose whichever format fits your study style—or try both!

A Few Reliable Spells

These are tried-and-true aids worth adding to your spellbook:

  • Examples & Explanations – Deep dives into doctrine with practice hypos.
  • Emanuel CrunchTime – Flow charts and quick review sheets perfect for finals week.
  • Glannon Guides – Engaging multiple-choice questions that walk you through the reasoning.
  • Acing Series – Streamlined and checklist-based for efficient review.
  • Sum & Substance Audio – Great for reviewing concepts while you’re on the move.

Don’t Let Exam Season Spook You

Study aids are meant to supplement, not replace, your class notes and outlines. Mix and match formats, test yourself often, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best.

Stop by the Focus Pocus display or scan the QR code on the handout to explore every study aid available. The law library has all the tools you need to bewitch your understanding and make this exam season magically… manageable.

04.25.25
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Your Legal Research Horoscope

Ever wonder why some law students come by legal research so naturally while others get stuck chasing case law rabbit holes for hours? It might not be your skills, it could be your zodiac sign!

In honor of spring (and finals season), the Blackacre Times is here with a little lighthearted guidance: your Legal Research Horoscope. Whether you’re a methodical Virgo, an adventurous Sagittarius, or a social Gemini, your research habits say a lot about you.

Let’s see what the stars—and the stacks—have to say:

♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Bold and quick, you dive into research headfirst. Aries students love action, but slow down before settling on the first case that pops up. Use advanced filters in Westlaw and Lexis to make sure your search results actually fit the issue, not just your first instinct.

♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Steady and reliable, Taurus researchers value structure. You’re probably a fan of annotated codes and headnotes, and you appreciate well-organized secondary sources. Just don’t get too comfortable—legal research evolves fast. Keep an eye out for pocket parts, updates, and amended statutes!

♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Curious and versatile, Geminis love variety, but that can lead to “open tab overload.” Before you end up with 42 cases and no conclusions, write down your research question and check your jurisdiction before starting. Your future self will thank you.

♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You research with heart. Cancers are intuitive and empathetic, and that makes you great at connecting real-world problems with legal theory. Just make sure your sources have the same strength: check KeyCite or Shepard’s to confirm that your cases are still good law.

♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos are natural leaders and love to present strong, confident arguments. But even the best arguments need support! Make sure you back up your flair with sound case law and some rock-solid holdings in your favor. Judges (and professors) aren’t swayed by style alone.

♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Detail-oriented and precise, Virgos are legal research’s unsung heroes. You love a perfectly formatted Bluebook citation and an organized outline. Just don’t spend so long perfecting the small details that you miss the big picture; synthesis matters just as much as citations.

♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Always seeking balance, Libras are excellent at weighing sources and arguments. You shine when comparing cases across jurisdictions or exploring split authority. Just watch out for “analysis paralysis,” at some point, you have to pick a side and close the tabs.

♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpios are relentless researchers. Once you lock onto a question, you’ll follow it into the most obscure corners of legislative history. But remember: even the best research needs to be communicated clearly. Don’t bury your argument under too much supporting evidence.

♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

The explorer of the zodiac, Sagittarius researchers love expanding into new databases and tools. Your curiosity is a strength, but don’t forget to check your foundational sources before getting too adventurous. Make sure you know the rules before you break them.

♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Disciplined and strategic, Capricorns are excellent planners. You probably already have your research mapped out—but don’t be afraid to adapt when cases surprise you. The law isn’t static, and flexibility can turn a good argument into a great one.

♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Independent and innovative, Aquarians are early adopters of new research tech. AI-assisted tools like Lexis+ AI and Westlaw Precision are right up your alley, but remember: even cutting-edge tools require critical thinking. Trust, but verify!

♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Creative and empathetic, Pisces researchers are great at framing legal arguments in human terms. But research isn’t just about heart, so make sure to track your sources and save your searches to avoid floating off into research space without a lifeline.

No matter your sign, the law library is here to help you align your research stars. Stop by to get help charting the clearest path to success, no astrology required.

02.13.25
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Love at First Cite

Image by slgckgc, taken on February 8, 2010. No changes were made. Licensed under CC by 2.0.

Valentine’s Day is all about love, and this starts with finding the right match.  This can apply in relationships, friendships, or… legal research strategies?

Legal research might not seem like the most romantic subject at first, but like any great relationship, it requires time, patience, communication, and a little bit of effort. This Valentine’s Day, let’s look into skills that may help in love and the law. Who knows—legal research might just be your perfect match!

1. Communication is Key

In a relationship, you’ve got to ask the right questions to understand your partner. The same goes for legal research. Before you start digging through Westlaw or Lexis, ask yourself:

What is the specific legal issue I’m researching?

What jurisdiction is relevant for my search?

Am I looking for case law and precedent or a more general overview?

Being clear about your research goals before you dive in is like having an honest conversation with your research “partner” before things get serious. This will not only save you a lot of time, but will also guide you on where to start your search for the perfect match.

2. Effort and Patience: It’s Not a Fling

You know that instant spark people sometimes talk about? Well, legal research isn’t usually like that—it takes time and patience. You might not fall in love with the first case you find. Just like dating, it may take a few tries to get in right. Maybe you need to sort through citing decisions or follow a trail of precedent. 

If you aren’t feeling any chemistry at first, specialized tools on Westlaw and Lexis can help you find “the one.” Headnotes on Westlaw offer summaries and additional sources for specific legal issues, and Ravel View on Lexis connects all cases from your search to show you how seminal a case is (size of a circle), when it was decided (horizontal timeline), jurisdiction (vertical axis), and a decision’s relevance to your search (circle height).

3. Respect: Recognizing the Value of Secondary Sources

In any healthy relationship, both partners have to respect each other’s strengths. In legal research, secondary sources (like treatises and law review articles) provide valuable context and guidance, giving an overview of a legal topic and explaining things in a more accessible way.

When you’re looking at primary law, treat it as your partner—but, the same way you don’t drop your friends when you get into a relationship, never neglect the role of secondary sources! They can help you get to the root of complex issues, summarize legal points, and provide clarity before you dive into the details.

4. Flexibility: Be Open to Change

Sometimes, your research path will take an unexpected turn, much like any relationship. You might find a piece of case law that completely undermines your argument. You might start researching with one focus and realize halfway through that there’s a better way to approach it.

Being flexible with your research strategy is key. If the case law doesn’t say what you thought it would, don’t try to morph it to fit your argument. Instead, reframe your point so the law is on your side. Don’t be afraid to pivot your search as you gather more information, just like you’d reevaluate your relationship when it needs some growth.

5. The Power of Support

In any successful relationship, support is essential. The same is true for persuasive reasoning. You can’t expect your arguments to hold weight without proper support. In law, that support comes in the form of citations. Every claim you make needs to be backed up by a solid source. Citations are your “support system”—without them, your argument falls flat, just like a relationship without trust.

You wouldn’t want your partner to jump to conclusions, so don’t expect your professor (or a judge) to accept your conclusions without a citation to back them up. Every good argument—and relationship—needs that rock-solid foundation to thrive.

Loving the Law

This Valentine’s Day, give your legal skills a little love by cultivating a deeper connection with research. And remember: like finding the one, great research takes time, effort, and patience.