This tipsheet give an outline of how to tell if the legal information you are looking at is jurisdictionally correct, up-to-date, and provided by a reliable source,
LawCentral Alberta
a website of the
Legal Research
This section provides links to information about researching the law in Canada.
There are two types of legal research.
The first is the process of investigating the background to a legal issue or case. This type of research may be done to prepare a case for court or to understand a legal issue in order to prepare a education materials. Resources for this type of research can be found under
- Preparing for Court - Legal Research Tools
- Preparing for Court - Legal Definitions or
- by searching the legal topic “legal research”
The second type of research studies such things as how the legal system works, factors influencing access to justice, the broader issues that affect law reform or issues concerning the law and society. Resources related to this type of research are found in this section under the menu items:
CPLEA Suggested Resources
Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.
Alberta Resources
This resource is provided by Alberta Law Libraries. Provides information on finding provincial, federal, and internation cases.
Where did builders find the marble for the Legislature Building? How is an American state Legislature different from our provincial Legislature? What happens during a typical legislative session? This booklet is designed to address these and many other questions related to the history, traditions and procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. It also contains review questions and answers as well as a glossary of parliamentary terminology.
This guide has been designed as a starting point for those seeking self-help materials and background information on various legal topics. The guide brings together a number of useful links to web-based resources, along with spotlighting some of the self-help print publications in our collection. The links and information are not intended to be a comprehensive listing. This guide is not meant to be a substitute for professional legal assistance.
Have a look at the topics on the tabs, or try the list below for helpful websites for getting started on your research.
Canada/Federal
The Privy Council Office has created an online database that allows users to search for federal Orders in Council (OICs) made between 1990 and the present. Check it out here if you are looking for a Federal Order in Council.
The Guide is meant to act as a resource for lawyers to learn about historical and cultural elements that provide context for the professional relationship between an Indigenous person and their lawyer. It also provides tools to help lawyers represent Indigenous clients as effectively as possible, and a number of resources to encourage lawyers to continue their education. The Advocates' Society, in partnership with the Indigenous Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario, developed the guide.
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