How to Use Google Scholar for Legal Research

Legal research can be costly, but Google Scholar provides a powerful, free resource to find case law, legal articles, and academic papers.

This guide covers how to use Google Scholar effectively for legal research, so you can find relevant sources faster and make informed decisions.

What is Google Scholar?

Google Scholar is a free search engine designed to help users locate scholarly articles, case law, theses, books, patents, and other academic materials across various fields. 

For lawyers, students, and legal researchers, it’s a valuable tool that provides access to a wealth of information, including case law databases from federal and state courts.

Why Use Google Scholar for Legal Research?

Google Scholar offers several advantages for legal research:

• Cost-Effective: Unlike other legal research tools, Google Scholar is free to use, making it accessible for students, small firms, and independent researchers.
• Comprehensive Database: It indexes a broad range of academic and legal sources, providing access to case law, law reviews, journal articles, and other scholarly resources.
• User-Friendly: With an intuitive search interface, Google Scholar allows users to refine searches and filter results by date, relevance, and type.

How to Use Google Scholar for Legal Research

1. Access Google Scholar

Visit Google Scholar and select “Case Law” if you’re specifically searching for legal cases, or use the general search bar for a broader search across legal articles, journals, and academic sources.

‍Link: scholar.google.com

‍2. Use Precise Keywords

Start with specific keywords related to your topic. Use phrases like:

• “intellectual property law cases”
• “contract law breach precedent”
• “employment law harassment policies”

The more specific your keywords, the more targeted your results will be. For general research, broader keywords can yield a wider range of sources.

3. Apply Search Filters

After your initial search, refine your results using filters. Google Scholar allows you to:

• Sort by Date: To find the latest legal rulings or articles, select “Since Year” and specify a recent year.
• Filter by Court: If using the “Case Law” feature, narrow down results by court type, such as federal courts, state courts, or specific jurisdictions.
• Custom Date Range: Set a custom date range for cases or articles from a particular period.

Filtering helps narrow down your results, focusing on the most relevant cases or articles for your research.

4. Use Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases

For more precise results, put quotation marks around exact phrases. For example:

• “Fair use doctrine”
• “Non-compete clause enforceability”

This tactic ensures that Google Scholar searches for the exact phrase, rather than splitting up keywords.

5. Take Advantage of Advanced Search

Google Scholar’s advanced search function allows for more complex searches, making it easier to find specific documents or cases. To access it, click the menu icon and select “Advanced search.” Here you can:

• Search for articles by exact phrases
• Exclude words
• Limit results by author, publication, or date

Using advanced search functions refines your results and helps target specific information faster.

6. Review Cited By and Related Articles

In each search result, you’ll see a “Cited by” link that shows other works citing the article or case. This is useful for:

• Finding newer articles that build on the original source
• Exploring related perspectives on a legal issue

Similarly, the “Related articles” link lets you find additional research on similar topics, giving you a broader perspective on your topic.

7. Save Articles to Your Library

Google Scholar allows users to save articles to their personal library. Simply click on the star icon beneath a result to add it to your library, which you can access later by logging into your Google account. 

This feature makes it easy to organize and revisit important sources as you conduct your research.

8. Export Citations

For proper citation, Google Scholar allows you to export citations in formats like MLA, APA, or Chicago. To do this, click on the quotation mark icon under a result and choose your preferred citation style. This tool is particularly helpful for legal writing, research papers, and creating bibliographies.

FAQs

Is Google Scholar a reliable source for legal research?

Yes, Google Scholar provides access to primary source case law and peer-reviewed journal sources, making it a reliable tool for legal research. 

Can Google Scholar replace paid legal research tools?

Google Scholar is an excellent free resource, but it lacks a comprehensive case database like those offered by other legal research legal tools. In addition, some of the secondary sources that Google Scholar directs you to are locked behind a pay or login wall.

How do I access full articles on Google Scholar?

Some articles on Google Scholar are behind paywalls. In these cases, try accessing the article through your institution, a public library, or by searching for an open-access version on the publisher’s site.

Can I search for case law by jurisdiction on Google Scholar?

Yes, Google Scholar’s “Case Law” feature allows you to filter by federal or state courts, making it easier to find cases specific to a particular jurisdiction.