Research Databases
Subscribed Databases
Library Accessible Only
Substantive
Administrative
OUTSIDE RESOURCES
HELP
ABOUT THE DATABASES
TRAINING VIDEO
Public Library Toolkit
Explanations and suggested resources compiled by the American Association of Law Libraries to assist public libraries with legal research.
Legal Reference Overview and Past Webinars
Massachusetts State Library
Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries
The Trial Court Law Libraries are free local public law libraries located at courthouses throughout the state. The Trial Court Law libraries hold practice-oriented materials for lawyers and non-lawyers, including access to legal databases. They also maintain and host legal research guides to over 150 topics involving Massachusetts law that are accessible online. Users can also text, email, or call the “Ask a Law Librarian” service to receive research assistance.
Court Service Centers
Free walk-in assistance can be found at courthouses with Court Service Centers. Staff there will help you fill out court forms, provide information about court rules and procedures, supply copies of court documents, assist with legal research, and help you access interpreter services and other community resources.
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access
Limited access to the Massachusetts Court Docket system. Users can look up cases by party name and docket number.
Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court of Massachusetts Public Case Information
Limited access to Massachusetts Appellate Court dockets. Users can search by party name, docket number, attorney, or lower court judge. Also includes court calendars.
Law Library of Congress
The Law Library of the U.S. Congress. This website hosts research guides for a wide range of state, federal, and international law.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit Library
Information regarding public access to the library located at the Federal Courthouse.
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)
Public access to the Federal courts docket system. Allows users to run searches by district or circuit court and pull filed documents. NOTE: Users must sign up for a login and fees are charged to run searches and download documents.
MassLegalHelp.org
Legal aid website run by the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute that publishes legal information on bankruptcy, family law, disability benefits, employment, immigration and many other areas of law.
Find Legal Aid
Tool to locate legal assistance programs in Massachusetts.
MetroWest Legal Services
Free civil legal aid to low-income individuals living in 45 towns in the Metro-West area.
Greater Boston Legal Services
Free legal assistance and representation on civil (noncriminal) matters for low-income residents in the city of Boston and 31 surrounding cities and towns.
Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Call or receive online referrals to private attorneys for hire through the Massachusetts Bar Association. Referral is free, but attorneys may charge a fee for the consultation.
Boston Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Call or receive online referrals to private attorneys for hire through the Boston Bar Association. Referral is free, but attorneys may charge a fee for the consultation.