Lookup Database

Law

This page originally developed by Newhouse Master's student Jocelyn Ehnstrom.

eCourts

website

A site with links to the dockets of some, but not all courts in New York State. Locally you can find info on Syracuse City Court and Supreme Court, which is a county-level trial court handling civil matters, (see WebCourt Supreme)  but not crimnal court cases.

FindLaw

http://www.findlaw.com/

This site provides e-information, legal publications and offers laws/cases by topic. These include criminal law, civil rights, personal injury and real estate. A reporter can find laws and codes for legal professionals as well as local lawyers based on the specialties for which they choose to be listed. There is also a place to help with legal documents such as will forms, or affidavits. This is a good first source for reporters researching information on a case or law.

First Amendment Center

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/

This site features articles on key First Amendment issues and topics such as news and analyses by respected legal specialists. The Center is a non-profit, affiliated with the Freedom Forum, based in the D.C. area and Nashville. The information here is organized by the five freedoms in the First Amendment –speech, press, religious liberty, assembly and petition. Its video, RSS feeds, podcasts section is another way to get information concerning First Amendment cases under one tab.

National Center for State Courts

http://www.ncsc.org/

The goal of this organization is to improve the administration of state courts through original research, consulting services, and national educational programs. NCSC is an independent, nonprofit organization, and disseminates information to state court leaders on key national policy issues while also helping to advocate their policies with Congress. This website can be helpful for making comparisons among the state courts.

National Law Journal

http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/index.jsp

This is the website for a well-known legal publication. It offers timely legal news on many key issues, including reports on Supreme Court cases. It covers verdicts, legislative issues, and the business of law. Some of the information is free, but full information requires a membership.

New York Civil Liberties Union

http://www.nyclu.org/

The NYCLU is an advocacy group that fights for the values located in the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, and the New York Constitution. Reporters can use this site for background information on free speech and civil rights issues. The NYCLU focuses on cases that are ground breaking and thus often newsworthy.

Onondaga County Bar Association

http://www.onbar.org/

This is the website of the professional association for local attorneys. It includes contact information for bar leaders, judges and courts. The calendar of events shows the date and times for meetings and programs, which might lead to local story ideas.

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

http://www.rcfp.org/

This non-profit began in 1970 to provide legal assistance to journalists when their First Amendment rights are being challenged. Many high-profile journalists such as Wolf Blitzer, Bob Schieffer, and Dana Priest serve on its board. This provides current information on issues, laws, and developments in media law. It’s a great educational source for reporters who need to know their rights.

Syracuse University College of Law

http://www.law.syr.edu/

This site has links to electronic resources as well as information on admission and other policies. The website has links to federal and New York State resources as well as international resources, plus a research guide and reference shelf. Check out the “Library” tab – lots of information there.

U.S. Courts

http://www.uscourts.gov/

The U.S. Courts maintain this page on the federal judiciary and the site has links to the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. District Courts, and U.S. Bankruptcy Courts. You can also go to the library section of the site and read publications and statistical reports on the U.S. Courts.