Secondary Sources
Where to find common secondary sources that are used in legal research
Last Updated: May 8, 2025 2:20 PM
Treatises
Treatises
What is a treatise?
A one- or multiple-volume work on a particular legal area written by an expert. Excellent place to familiarize yourself with a subject and obtain references to primary sources. Two examples of treatises in print format in the Law Library:
Nimmer on copyright; a treatise on the law of literary, musical and artistic property, and the protection of ideasCall Number: KF2991.5 .N5 1978 (Law Library General Collection)- Criminal Law. Sixth edition by Call Number: KF9219 .L38 2017 (Law Library Circulation Desk)
How can I identify a treatise on a particular topic?
- Use a guide, e.g.:
Legal Information Buyer’s Guide & Reference Manual
by Kendall F. Svengalis KF 1 L427 (Law Library Reference Desk) - Search the UB Online Catalog and filter results for "Law Library"
- Check the annotations in annotated codes (e.g., USCA, USCS, McKinney’s, CLS…)
- Consult the Legal Research Guides (LibGuides) from the UB Law Library
- Consult Legal Research Guides from other Law School Libraries, e.g.Georgetown
Treatises online:
- LexisNexis Digital Library This link opens in a new windowLexis Nexis Digital Library provides access to selected primary federal law and New York law, as well as secondary sources such as treatises and legal study aids. More InfoFull-Text UB ONLY
- West Study Aids This link opens in a new windowOnline access to more than 500 study aids including case briefs, outlines, overviews and exam prep titles. More InfoFull-Text UB ONLY