I have explained this a few times previously with regard to both statues and case law but let's review it once again here.
Citator services verify the validity of cases, provide case history, provide references to other related cases. They also validate statutes and also regulations which we'll be talking about next.
- Now incorporated into online records on major platforms such as Westlaw and Lexis through symbols or flags (and in the “how Cited” section within Google Scholar) which indicate whether cases have been overruled or limited or have diminished precedential value.
- Laws can be superceded, replaced or abrogated, or even reversed
- Shepard’s (on Lexis) or Keycite (on Westlaw)
- It’s crucial to check for updates to the law you’re citing before completing your research to be sure it’s still “good law”.
