Winning Research Skills - Westlaw

Chapter 8
3. Click Search Westlaw. A list of the databases most closely matching the concepts in your description
is displayed (Figure 8.4). Click the number in front of a database identifier in the list to display a
description of the database in the right frame. Click the database identifier in the description to display
the Search page for that database.
Figure 8.4: Search result in IDEN
Step 3: Select a Westlaw Search Method
Westlaw offers two search methods—Natural Language and Terms and Connectors.
Natural Language
The Natural Language search method allows you to use plain English to retrieve relevant
documents. Enter a description of your issue and Westlaw will display the documents that best
match the concepts in your description. Westlaw identifies legal phrases in your description
(such as quantum meruit, adverse possession, and state of mind), removes common terms (such
as is and for), and generates variations of terms (such as defamed, defaming, and defamation for
defame). Natural Language searching is available in most Westlaw databases.
Terms and Connectors
When you search Westlaw using the Terms and Connectors search method, you enter a query
consisting of key terms from your issue and connectors specifying the relationship between those
terms. Terms and Connectors searching is available in all Westlaw databases.
Determining Which Search Method to Use
The search method that is best for your needs is determined by several factors, including the type
of information you are looking for, your knowledge of the research issue, and your expertise in
performing research on Westlaw. The following chart can help you determine which search
method to use:
78 Winning Research Skills