FAQS

Before searching for cases, define the term "Common Law Murder."  A legal dictionary or reputable website such as Cornell University Law School's LII can be consulted for definitions.  Once you have an understanding of the topic, access the Library databases to search for cases.  (Access the Library databases by clicking on the Resources link in any online class, then click on the "Search e-Resources" link.)  Recommended databases for this search include:

• Fastcase (Advanced caselaw search)
• Justice Studies via Proquest
• Academic Search Complete
• National Criminal Justice Reference Center

You will get the best results if you use keywords in your search.  Create a list of keywords and terms that describe the concepts that you want to be included in articles.  Keywords could include:

"common law murder,"    "intent to kill,"   "felony murder"   case, "court opinion"

TIP: If a term is more than one word, placing quotation marks around the words will provide more precise results.

TIP: Connect concepts with the "and" connector.  For example:  "common law murder" and case.

Watch the video below to view a demonstration of a basic search in an EBSCO database.