Are the headnotes in Westlaw and Lexis the same?
Headnotes are available in Westlaw and Lexis platforms. In Westlaw, headnotes are drafted by human editors and summarize the language of the case. Lexis uses computer algorithims to search cases for potential headnotes, and the headnote language comes directly from the cases.
What are LexisNexis headnotes?
LexisNexis Headnotes are key legal points of a case drawn directly from the language of a court by LexisNexis attorney-editors. Each LexisNexis Headnote is numbered, making it easy for you to review the main points of a case online or offline.
How do I find headnotes in Westlaw?
Run a search at the home page using that topic and key number. For example, to search for cases with headnotes classified under topic 115 (Damages) and key number 101 (Expenses), type 115k101 in the search box at the top of the page, change the jurisdiction if necessary, and click Search.
Can you cite headnotes on Westlaw?
Headnotes are written by editors at Westlaw and Lexis (sometimes the language is verbatim from the text of the opinion). Headnotes are excellent research tools to assist you in finding other cases that address similar legal issues, but do not cite headnotes in your work product.
What are headnotes in law?
Headnotes are summaries of a point of law that appear at the beginning of a case. Headnotes are written by editors at Westlaw and Lexis (sometimes the language is verbatim from the text of the opinion).
How do you research case law on Westlaw?
Westlaw: After finding an on point case, read the headnotes and find the one most relevant to your issue. Click on a topic or key number link to see a list of all cases that fall under the same topic and key number. You can refine your search by choosing a different jurisdiction at the top of the page.
What are headnotes used for?
A headnote is a brief summary of a particular point of law that is added to the text of a court decision to aid readers in locating discussion of a legal issue in an opinion. As the term implies, headnotes appear at the beginning of the published opinion.