This research guide provides an introduction to UK law and to sources available electronically and at the University of Minnesota Law Library.
The UK has a common law legal system. The principal sources of legal authority in Great Britain are Acts of Parliament, administrative law, court opinions, and Books of Authority. Acts of Parliament, administrative law and court opinions are discussed in other sections of this guide.
Books of authority still play a part in British legal research. These are books written by authors who are recognized as expert. Examples include Blackstone's Commentaries (1765) and Coke's Institutes (1628-1641).
Credits: This guide is based on an earlier version created by Mary Rumsey.