Call to set up a consultation (415) 389-9590 / (650) 503-4LAW(4529).
Warning: These resources are provided as a free service; use them at your own risk.
Legal research can be difficult, even for practitioners who have taken a year-long course in law school and practiced for years. When utilizing limited scope counsel, usually it will make the most sense to have the attorney do the legal research and brief writing. The resources provided here are given in the hope that greater knowledge will lead to greater accessibility to justice. Some links may be outdated or just plain wrong. You are responsible for your use of these resources. Good Luck!
Topics:
Contra Costa County Superior Court
Statutes, Regulations and Codes
California Statutes California Code of Regulations CA Municipal Codes
Federal Statutes Federal Statutes by Popular Names U.S. Codes (Since 1988) Code of Federal Regulations (Since 1996) Federal Register (Since 1994)
All 50 States and Additional Information Back to topics
Case Law
Google Scholar (click “Case law”) Justia.com (for state court opinions scroll down) Findlaw.com (CA cases since 1934 – requires registration) California Courts (recent cases, published and unpublished) United States Supreme Court (bound volumes) United States Supreme Court (slip opinions) Back to topics
Miscellaneous Authority
Law Review Articles CA Attorney General opinions CA Legislative History since 1993-94 Back to topics
Rules
CA Rules of Court CA Superior Courts local rules CA 1st Dist Court of Appeal CA 2nd Dist Court of Appeal CA 3rd Dist Court of Appeal CA 4th Dist Court of Appeal CA 5th Dist Court of Appeal CA 6th Dist Court of Appeal
US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals US Northern Dist CA US Central Dist CA US Eastern Dist CA US Southern Dist CA
Jury Instructions
CA State Instructions US Ninth Circuit (Federal) Civil Instructions Back to topics
Case Specific Information and Courts
CA Superior Courts – available information/cost varies by court CA Supreme & Appellate Courts case information
Federal Courts – Pacer (requires registration and fees) US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals US Northern Dist CA US Central Dist CA US Eastern Dist CA US Southern Dist CA Back to topics
Research Tools
CA Child Support Calculator Guide to CA Free Resources US Copyright Fair Use Index Back to topics
Forms
Special warning for forms: Forms can be convenient. However, they must be utilized with an understanding of the law and procedure applicable to the matter for which they are being used. In other words, do not use a form until you understand the law in your case, and when and how to use the form. Also, know which forms are mandatory (must be used), and which are optional (may be used.) Be particularly careful using custom forms; these may be poorly designed, or designed for a particular purpose differing from your need.
CA Judicial Council Official Forms CA Superior Courts local forms – check particular court website for any available forms CA 1st Dist Court of Appeal CA 2nd Dist Court of Appeal CA 3rd Dist Court of Appeal CA 4th Dist Court of Appeal CA 5th Dist Court of Appeal CA 6th Dist Court of Appeal
US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals US Northern Dist CA US Central Dist CA US Eastern Dist CA US Southern Dist CA
CA Administrative Hearings Forms CA Business Forms (click “Forms, Samples and Fees”) CA Employment Development Department CA Franchise Tax Board CA State Board of Equalization CA Public Employment Relations Board
Federal Agency Forms Copyright Forms Immigration Forms Freedom of Information Act Sample Letters
Custom Form Collection #1 – you’ve been warned! Custom Form Collection #2 – you’ve been warned! Custom Form Collection #3 – you’ve been warned! Back to topics