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Federal Administrative Law Research Guide

Basic guide to researching federal administrative law (rules, decisions, other documents, executive orders)

Topical Databases

Topical databases that cover a particular subject of law or area of legal practice can often be the best starting point for research.  Many topical databases provide a convenient "one-stop" source for accessing relevant primary source materials such as statutes, court opinions, agency rules and administrative  decisions, as well as related agency documents (interpretative and enforcement memos, guidelines, manuals).  These databases also include expert analysis and commentary from practitioners and scholars in the area of law they cover.  Topical databases typically provide practice-oriented documents and tools such as forms and checklists.  They also provide coverage of relevant news and developments, e.g. legislative activity, court decisions, administrative agency actions, etc.

Locating Topical Databases


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