= Available from UCI networked computers or by connecting from home using either the Proxy Server or the Virtual Private Network. See Connect from Off-Campus for instructions on using our subscription databases from home.

Criminology, Law and Society Subject Guide

UCI Libraries Tutorials: How to find books, articles, government documents, cases, statutes
 
 

NEWSPAPERS

Many daily newspapers, such as the Washington Post or the Los Angeles Times, are free on the Internet for one day or one week only. The UCI Libraries has a subscription to two major sources of electronic newspaper archives -- which allows you to search and download full-text newspaper articles from hundreds of newspapers -- usually back to about 1985. We also have full-text/full-image access to the New York Times back to 1857, and the Wall Street Journal back to 1889.

Lexis-Nexis Academic

News Search Tips:

• Under U.S. News, you'll find collections of a particular state's newspapers
• Search in headline and lead paragraphs for best results
• For names with middle names or initials (John D. Smith) use "proximity connectors" -- John w/2 Smith -- the middle initial will not always be used
• Think of words that reporters would use

Lexis-Nexis Academic

For many of the stories you are investigating, the cases have made one or more appeal to a higher court. The facts of the case, and the legal basis for the appeal, will be elaborated in those opinions.

Legal Research -- State Case Law

• For names with middle names or initials (John D. Smith) use "proximity connectors" -- John w/2 Smith -- the middle initial will not always be used

LegalTrac

Lexis-Nexis Academic

Legal Research -- Law Reviews or Legal News
 

ACADEMIC JOURNALS/ARTICLE DATABASES

The cases you are investigating will each advance individual claims of their circumstances or treatment within the criminal justice system. The following databases will help you locate articles that help define and understand the social basis and scope of these issues -- the prevalence of eyewitness error, for example, or the problems associated with children's testimony, racial bias, etc.

GENERAL DATABASES

• Expanded Academic ASAP 
• Web of Science

• Criminal Justice Periodicals Index
• Criminal Justice Abstracts
• National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Abstracts Database via CSA

• Sociological Abstracts

• PsycINFO

Justice Denied Wrongful Conviction Resources
<http://forejustice.org/wc/wrongful_conviction_websites.htm>

The Innocence Project: Contains links to similar projects on the state level
<http://www.innocenceproject.org>

Center on Wrongful Convictions, Northwestern
<http://www.law.northwestern.edu/wrongfulconvictions/>

Criminal Justice Reform Education Fund
<http://justice.policy.net/cjedfund/>

Death Penalty Information Center
<http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/>
 
 

FOLLOW-UP: LIBRARY RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION

You have many options for getting help from librarians with your research:

• Langson Library Reference Desk -- Call (949) 824-4976 or walk-in. During weeks 3-9, you can make a 1/2 hour research appointment.
• Use Ask a Librarian EMAIL or LIVE
• Contact Judy directly (contact info above)