Legal research is an essential component of any lawyer's work and is often relied upon to make informed legal decisions. Historically, attorneys have relied on the two main sources of legal research, Westlaw and Lexis. These expensive services have become increasingly popular due to their vast databases, advanced search features, and user-friendly interfaces. However, relying solely on these services may not be the most cost-effective or accurate method of legal research.
One of the main reasons why attorneys should think twice before relying solely on Westlaw and Lexis is the fact that search hits are determined by human-made algorithms. These algorithms are created by human beings, and therefore have inherent biases and limitations. For example, searches may not yield accurate results, or relevant information may be omitted due to a lack of proper keywords. As such, attorneys may end up missing out on some of the most relevant legal information.
Another downside to using Westlaw and Lexis is the cost involved. These services can be quite expensive, particularly when it comes to accessing certain texts and documents that are not included in most plans. For instance, accessing foreign legal information or certain copyrighted material could be quite costly, and the expense may eat away at the legal budget.
Considering these issues, it's worth considering alternatives to Westlaw and Lexis. One option to consider is alternative legal research platforms like Casetext, Fastcase, or Ravel Law. These services offer lower prices and flexible plans with comprehensive access to various legal texts, as well as AI-enhanced search algorithms. Other options include free online resources like Google Scholar, which can provide access to case law and secondary sources.
In conclusion, while Westlaw and Lexis offer extensive legal resources, it might not always be the best fit for attorneys with limited budgets or those with more flexible needs. It's worth considering alternatives to these platforms, which offer a broader range of services and are cost-effective. By exploring other options, attorneys can broaden their access to legal material and enhance their search capabilities to get the best results.
(AI assisted)
I totally agree about the cost for these services. We get unlimited access to them during law school so that people will become dependent on them and will pay to use them in practice. I personally enjoy using Google Scholar (in addition to Westlaw), but I'm going to check out the other alternatives you mentioned as well.
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