Oregon Legal Research Blog
This is a quick and dirty guide to free and not-free (usually subscription) databases for this kind of research; it is not a comprehensive list. (And novice researchers should be reminded that the same statutory language is not always used across states to accomplish the same purpose.)
FREE:
- Lexis Zimmerman’s Research Guide, under “State Laws, generally” for some research tips.
- Levitt & Davis, “ Internet Legal Research on a Budget: Free and Low-Cost Resources for Lawyers,” chapter 13, “State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal Law.”
- Uniform State Laws
- Model Legislation, e.g. Suggested State Legislation and ALEC
- (More about model and uniform laws from Cornell and Law Source.)
- Some nonprofit and advocacy groups compile subject specific guides. For example, see the National Agricultural Law Center compilation.
- You can also check out other law libraries research guides, e.g. Emory and ASU.
- The Google.
NOT FREE, but priceless if you require thorough and fast research results:
- The best and most comprehensive collection is Nyberg / Boast: “Subject Compilations of State Laws.” This collection is available in print (at some law libraries) and is now available online (HeinOnline), though not generally to mere mortals unless they have database privileges at a large law library or large law firm that subscribes. (But your local public librarian may be able to ask another librarian to run a search on a specific topic.)
- There was also a book, not recently updated, but still useful, and maybe at your local libraries: “National Survey of State Laws,” by Richard Leiter (not updated regularly).