Library guides

Developing practical legal skills is as important as learning the black letter law itself. This guide provides comprehensive resources for students involved in mooting, witness examination, negotiation and mediation. It offers links to books, videos and guides on advocacy techniques, courtroom etiquette and legal rhetoric.

You will also find information on drafting legal documents, preparing written submissions and getting ready for competitions. Whether you are a beginner mooter or refining your skills for professional practice, this guide offers the practical tools, examples and procedural knowledge needed to present a persuasive case in a legal setting.

The law is a vast field, and finding resources for specific subjects can be daunting. This guide acts as a curated portal to resources for various legal sub-disciplines. It categorises information by topic—such as criminal law, family law, contracts, property law or administrative law—directing you to the most relevant textbooks, commentaries and specialised report series for that area. It helps you quickly locate the key legislation and leading cases that define the specific area of law you are studying. Use this guide to streamline your research and ensure you are consulting the authoritative texts and sources for your specific legal subject.

This guide is the foundation for researching Australian law. It explains how to find, navigate and interpret primary legal materials: acts of parliament (legislation) and court judgments (case law). You will learn how to use major legal databases like AustLII, Westlaw and LexisNexis to locate current bills, statutes and authorised law reports.

The guide also covers the essential process of "noting up" cases to see if they are still good law and tracking the history of legislation. Mastering these research skills is essential for every law student to construct accurate legal arguments and succeed in their degree.

Researching law beyond domestic borders requires specialised tools and strategies. This guide supports research into public international law, private international law and the laws of foreign jurisdictions. It provides access to treaty collections, decisions of international courts (like the International Court of Justice) and United Nations documents.

You will also find databases for researching the laws of major jurisdictions such as the UK, USA and EU. Whether you are studying human rights, international trade or comparative law, this guide helps you navigate the complex landscape of global legal information and international relations.

Legal research is a distinct and critical skill set that underpins all legal practice. This guide provides a structured approach to solving legal problems through research. It covers how to analyse a legal scenario, identify key issues and select the appropriate research tools. You will learn the difference between primary sources (cases, legislation) and secondary sources (books, journals, encyclopedias) and how to use them together to build an argument.

The guide also offers tips on search logic, Boolean operators and keeping current with legal developments. It is designed to help you become an efficient, thorough and precise legal researcher.

The internet is full of legal information, but the quality and reliability vary significantly. This guide offers a directory of reliable, free web resources for law students and professionals. It includes links to courts and tribunals, government departments, legal aid bodies and professional law societies. You can also find links to legal news, blogs and dictionaries.

This quick-reference guide is perfect for finding contact details, court lists, practice notes or general legal information that sits outside of the paid subscription databases, connecting you to the broader legal community and the practical workings of the justice system.

Preparing for the transition from law school to the legal profession requires careful planning and skill development. This guide supports students undertaking clinical legal education, internships or placements. It provides resources on legal ethics, professional responsibility and reflective practice in a legal context.

You will also find information on potential career paths, writing legal CVs and interview skills. The guide may include links to practical handbooks for working in community legal centers or law firms. Use these resources to maximise your learning during placements and to better prepare for your future career in the legal sector.