Legal Terminology Online: The Quest for Knowledge
Legal terminology can be complicated, and understanding it is crucial for anyone working in the legal field. Whether you’re a lawyer, paralegal, law student or just someone who needs to understand the legal jargon, having access to a good legal dictionary can be incredibly helpful. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best online dictionaries specific to legal terminology.
Black’s Law Dictionary: The Classic
Black’s Law Dictionary is a classic that’s been around since 1891, and it’s still widely used today. It’s considered the most comprehensive legal dictionary in the United States, and it includes over 50,000 definitions. You can access Black’s Law Dictionary online, and there’s also a mobile app available for both iOS and Android.
Westlaw: The Online Legal Research Powerhouse
Westlaw is one of the leading online legal research resources, and it includes a legal dictionary as part of its offerings. The Westlaw legal dictionary includes over 42,000 terms, and it’s updated regularly to reflect changes in the law. You can access the legal dictionary by logging in to Westlaw, and it’s also available as a standalone app.
Legal Dictionary by TheLaw.com: Free and Comprehensive
The Legal Dictionary by TheLaw.com is a free resource that includes over 8,000 legal terms. While it may not have as many entries as some of the other dictionaries on this list, it’s still a comprehensive resource that can be incredibly helpful for anyone studying or working in the legal field.
Merriam-Webster: A Trusted Resource
Merriam-Webster is a well-known dictionary publisher, and its online offerings include a legal dictionary. The Merriam-Webster legal dictionary is a comprehensive resource that includes over 14,000 legal terms. While it may not be as specific to legal terminology as some of the other dictionaries on this list, it’s still a trusted resource for anyone looking to understand legal jargon.
Cornell Law School: For In-Depth Research
Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute is a great resource for in-depth legal research, and it includes a legal dictionary as part of its offerings. The dictionary includes over 7,000 legal terms, and it’s available for free on the Cornell Law School website. While it may not be as comprehensive as some of the other dictionaries on this list, it’s still a valuable resource for anyone studying or working in the legal field.
