Research Guides: Legal Reference Sources: Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

About Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Start here when a legal topic is new to you. Legal dictionaries give quick, reliable definitions of terms. Legal encyclopedias explain the law in plain narrative, with citations to cases and statutes you can follow. Use these to get oriented, find keywords, and grab citations to primary law—then move on to cases, statutes, and regulations.

Legal Dictionaries

Black's Law Dictionary (12th ed)
Call Number: Ebook

Publication Date: 2024

The leading U.S. legal dictionary. Clear, authoritative definitions with cross-references and pronunciation. Best for precise meanings you can cite.
Off-campus access requires EMU NetID authentication.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law
Call Number: 3rd Level - KF156 .M47 2016

Publication Date: 2016

Concise, readable definitions of 10,000+ terms, often with usage notes and example phrases. Good for quick lookups and plain-language clarity.
Nolo's Free Dictionary of Law Terms and Legal Definitions
Call Number: Free Website

Plain-English explanations aimed at non-lawyers. Great for first-pass understanding; confirm language with Black’s or an encyclopedia if you’re writing formally.

Legal Encyclopedias

American Jurisprudence (2nd ed)
Call Number: Ebook

Brief, well-organized overviews of U.S. law with citations to leading cases and statutes. A strong “first stop” to learn the landscape and build a reading list.
Off-campus access requires EMU NetID authentication.
Corpus Juris Secundum
Call Number: Ebook

Broad, detailed coverage across U.S. legal subjects. Complements American Jurisprudence; if one seems thin on your topic, try the other.
Off-campus access requires EMU NetID authentication.
Michigan Civil Jurisprudence
Call Number: Ebook

Michigan-specific encyclopedia. Explains Michigan law with citations to Michigan cases, statutes, and court rules—ideal when your assignment focuses on Michigan.
Off-campus access requires EMU NetID authentication.
Michigan Law and Practice Encyclopedia (2nd ed.)
Call Number: 3rd Level - KFM4265 .M52x

Another Michigan-focused set that pairs well with Michigan Civil Jurisprudence for deeper local coverage. Covers criminal as well as civil law.

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