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Albert S. Cook Library

ENGL 317: Writing for Business & Industry (Volker)

Strategies for Finding Primary Legal Materials (Complaints, Briefs, Testimony)

  1. a web search, possibly limiting to PDF format.
    (See Google Advanced Search instructions below)
     
  2. search the Court Listener RECAP archive (incomplete but free) of PACER documents
     
  3. locate web site of relevant court/organization
     
  4. search  https://www.justia.com [including free federal PACER search]
    or https://www.fastcase.com [free 1-day trial]

Overall, you have the best chance of finding federal-level documents free online.

Using Google Advanced Search to Find Complaints, Briefs, and/or Testimony

Step 1: Do a Google Search -- any search

screenshot of a search in Google using any keyword

Step 2: Find the Settings link and select Advanced Search option

screenshot of Google Settings menu

Step 3: Construct your advanced search

screenshot of a Google Advanced search