Making of Modern Law: U.S. Supreme Court Records and Briefs, 1832-1978

The Making of Modern Law: U.S. Supreme Court Records and Briefs 1832-1978 offers a comprehensive collection of records and briefs for over 150,000 cases brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. The database is designed to serve as a primary source tool on aspects of American history as well as the U.S. judicial system. Documents include applications for review, motions, oral transcripts, briefs, petitions, supplements and more.

To access Making of Modern Law: U.S. Supreme Court Records and Briefs:

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Click the "History/Legal History" link
• Scroll down to "Making of Modern Law-USSC Records & Briefs "

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Free Federal Court Decisions Coming

It was announced last week that the U.S. government will soon offer free access to federal court opinions on its www.fdsys.gov site. In the long run, this could end up being extremely helpful for attorneys who can't afford access to premium research databases like Lexis and Westlaw. In the short run, just expect to find the most recent federal cases on fdsys.

Sites currently offering free access to federal cases include OpenJurist, Justia, the Public Library of Law, and FindLaw.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

NY Chief Judge Seeks Mandatory E-Filing

As part of a budget proposal announced last week that includes large cuts for New York's courts, Chief Judge Lippman also announced a proposal to make electronic filing of court documents mandatory throughout New York.

For researchers, this is good news, as electronically filed court documents tend to be made available online.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat