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Home / Law Library / Research Guides / U.S. Legal Research for LL.M. Students

U.S. Legal Research for LL.M. Students


U.S. Legal Research for International LL.M. Students

This guide highlights selective resources available at Marquette University Law Library that LL.M. students may find useful when researching United State law. Also included are internet sites.

For further Law Library or research project assistance, feel free to contact a reference librarian or stop by the reference desk.


American Legal System | Legal Dictionaries | Legal Writing and Research | Online Resources


American legal systems: a resource and reference guide, Toni M. Fine.
KF 240 .F56 1997 (Middle Stacks)

Introduction to the law and legal system of the United States, William Burnham.
KF 386 .B88 2006 (Middle Stacks)

Includes sections on the constitutional, administrative, and judicial structure of the U.S. legal system, as well as sections on substantive law areas.

Introduction to the legal system of the United States, E. Allan Farnsworth.
KF 387 .F3 1996 (Middle Stacks)

Provides an historical background and a fundamental description of the U.S. common law system.

An introduction to the United States legal system: cases and comments, Alberto M. Benítez.
KF 385 .A4 B454 2006 (Middle Stacks)

An introduction to the United States legal system for non-US trained lawyers and law students. Includes chapters on common law, briefing and reading a case, and trial techniques.

Law in the United States, Arthur T. von Mehren and Peter L. Murray.
KF 387 .V66 2007 (Middle Stacks)

Designed mainly for jurists of civil law backgrounds, authors explain the elements of the American legal system.

The United States legal system: an introduction, Margaret Z. Johns and Rex R. Perschbacher.
KF 385 .J63 2007 (Middle Stacks)

Covers some of the basic principles of statutory construction and the role of legislative history. Also includes case analysis, focusing on decisions illustrating the evolution of common law.

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Basic legal research: tools and strategies, Amy E. Sloan.
KF 240 .S56 2009 (Reserve)

Provides detailed instruction on the basics of the legal research process, and describes a variety of legal research sources in print and electronic format.

Elements of legal style, Bryan A. Garner.
KF 250 .G37 2002 (Middle Stacks)

Provides fundamental principles of grammar, syntax, and usage for developing an effective legal style.

Legal English : an introduction to the legal language and culture of the United States, Teresa Brostoff.
KF 272 .B76 2000

Written for an LL.M. preparatory course, author guides students through the use of English in legal settings. Designed for non-native English speakers.

Legal reasoning, research, and writing for international graduate students, Nadia E. Nedzel.
KF 240 .N43 2008 (Middle Stacks)

Geared to students who may not be familiar with the American legal system. Explains unique features of U.S. law, beginning with common and civil law, in addition to locating authorities and legal analysis.

Legal research explained, Deborah E. Bouchoux.
KF 240 .B683 2008 (Reserve)

Legal writing: process, analysis, and organization, Linda H. Edwards.
KF 250 .E39 2006 (Reserve)


Plain English for lawyers, Richard C. Wydick.
KF 250 .W9 2005 (Reserve)

Practical guide to a clear, plain style of legal writing.

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Legal Writing and Research: Citation Guides

ALWD citation manual: a professional system of citation, Association of Legal Writing Directors and Darby Dickerson.
KF 245 .A45 2006 (Reference)

See also:
Interactive citation workbook for ALWD citation manual, Tracy McGaugh and Christine Hurt.
KF 245 .A451 2007 (Reference)

Bieber's dictionary of legal abbreviations: a reference guide for attorneys, legal secretaries, paralegals, and law students.
KF 246 .B5 2009 (Reference, Reserve)

Includes abbreviations and acronyms found in the American legal literature. Also includes a reverse dictionary.

The bluebook: a uniform system of citation.
KF 245 .U56 (Reserve, Reference, Middle Stacks)

See also:
Understanding and mastering The Bluebook: a guide for students and practitioners, Linda J. Barris.
KF 245 .B37 2007 (Reserve, Middle Stacks) and,
Interactive citation workbook for the Bluebook: a uniform system of citation, Tracy McGaugh and Christine Hurt.
KF 245 .U561 2008 (Reserve)

Index to legal citations and abbreviations, Donald Raistrick.
KD 400 .R35 2008 (Reference)

Includes abbreviations from the UK, Ireland, USA, and select abbreviations from the European Union, Africa, Asia, and South America.

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Black's law dictionary.
KF 156 .B53 2009 (Reserve and Reference)

English legal terminology guide.

Elsevier's legal dictionary: in English, German, French, Dutch, and Spanish.
K 54 .E45 2001 (Reference)

English-Japanese legal dictionary and handbook.
K 52.J36 J37 1995 (Reference)

English/Spanish and Spanish/English legal dictionary.
K 52.S6 K36 2008 (Reference)

Legal dictionary: English-Hebrew.
K 52.H43 M6713 1990 (Reference)

Tuttle dictionary of legal terms: English-Japanese Japanese- English.
K 52.J36 K44 1993 (Reference)

West's Law and commercial dictionary in five languages: definitions of the legal and commercial terms and phrases of American, English, and civil law jurisdictions.
K 54 .W47 1985, 2 vol. (Reference)

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Electronic Resources at Marquette University Law Library.

Alphabetical listing of the Law Library's electronic database subscriptions.

How a Bill Becomes Law.

From Project Vote Smart: Outlines the steps a Bill takes from its introduction in the House or Senate, through committee action, voting, and Presidential review. Includes glossary.

How Cases Move through Federal Courts.

From the Federal Judicial Center: Step by step explanations for civil, criminal and bankruptcy matters. Also includes the appeals process.

How Our Laws Are Made.

From the Library of Congress (THOMAS): Outlines in detail the steps of the U.S. federal legislative process.

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JFJ 8/09

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