Reference Services
Our librarians are experts in legal research methodology and are available to answer questions from the general public about how to do legal research. However, the librarians cannot do research for others, nor may they answer questions about the law or provide legal advice. If you need to find out what the law is, we encourage you to come into the Law Library where you will have access to the books and computers to conduct your own research. When you come in, we will show you where to find the materials you need and how to use them.
Why are there reference restrictions?
- Researching the law, determining how the law applies to a particular situation, advising patrons, and helping patrons decide what actions they should take are examples of practicing law. Librarians are not licensed to practice law.
- Legal research is complicated. Some questions may seem simple, but they can have very complex answers. When patrons perform their own research, they can choose which cross-references to follow and determine which factors may affect the outcome in their situation.
- The relationship between attorneys and clients is unique. It is protected by attorney-client privilege, disciplinary rules, and malpractice standards. The attorney and client have the opportunity to meet multiple times to ensure that the attorney has all the information needed to provide complete advice and services. Librarians do not have the same relationship with their patrons. This is an important distinction, because inaccurate information or legal advice can strip people of their legal rights.
- Legal research is labor-intensive. Some questions will take hours to investigate fully. The Law Library does not have sufficient staff to accept legal research requests.
Reference Services
Personalized Research Help
The library staff can assist you in person, by phone, or by e-mail. We can help you identify library resources, develop search strategies, or answer questions about electronic products. Call (704) 971-8573 for telephone reference help. If you prefer to e-mail your request, please send it to libreference@charlottelaw.edu.
Research Support for Faculty
The library staff is committed to helping faculty with their teaching and scholarship. Librarians are available to
- Deliver guest lectures on how to research certain topics
- Recommend print and electronic resources for student use
- Locate sources to be used in faculty scholarship
Examples of questions that we CAN answer
- How do I find this case, and are there others similar to it?
- Where can I find the North Carolina child support guidelines?
- Where would I begin researching an issue on zoning?
- Where do I find the forms for my divorce?
- What does the abbreviation “P.2d” mean?
Examples of questions that we CANNOT answer
- What is the statute of limitations for an automobile accident?
- What does this case mean?
- Which court do I go to if I want to sue my boss?
- Which form do I use, and how do I fill it out?
- What type of lawyer do I need?
Need a research guide? View a full list of CharlotteLaw Research Guides.
Additional Questions? View our extensive list of Reference Web Resources.