Researching the Law Where can you go? The Law Library is the best place to go to do legal research. Law librarians can help point you in the right direction. Click here to visit our Law Library page to learn more. Most circuit courthouses in Illinois have law libraries, but be sure to check their local websites for exact information. You can do research on the internet or at public or university libraries. What can you find? Legal materials come from two types of sources 1. Primary Sources A primary source is a direct source of information that has not been changed or interpreted by a third party. Examples of primary sources include the Constitution, State Statutes or Case Law. This is the strongest source of information. 2. Secondary Sources A secondary source comes from third parties (e.g. professors) who either comment on or analyze the law. Examples include law reviews or encyclopedias. This can help support the information given by primary sources.
