Legal Resource Library

Cornell Legal Information Institute (LII)

Open access to the U.S. Code, Code of Federal Regulations, Supreme Court opinions, and the full U.S. Constitution. One of the most comprehensive free legal databases available.

Google Scholar — Case Law

A vast free database of state and federal case law. Select "Case law" under the search bar to find judicial opinions across all U.S. jurisdictions.

Justia

Free access to case law, codes, regulations, and legal information across state and federal courts. Strong coverage of criminal, civil, and appellate decisions.

Oyez

A multimedia archive of the U.S. Supreme Court — including searchable oral argument transcripts and audio recordings going back decades.

Congress.gov

The official source for U.S. federal legislative information — bill text, summaries, legislative history, and current status of pending legislation.

Casetext

Searchable case law database with annotations and related statutes. Offers free access to many state and federal opinions with useful research context.

PACER — Federal Court Records

Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Search and retrieve federal court case filings, dockets, and documents. Registration required; fees apply per page accessed.

State Court Websites (NCSC)

A directory maintained by the National Center for State Courts linking to official judicial branch websites for every U.S. state and territory.

Federal Inmate Locator (BOP)

Official Bureau of Prisons tool to locate individuals incarcerated in federal facilities from 1982 to present. Search by name or registration number.

CourtListener (Free Law Project)

A free, searchable database of millions of legal opinions and federal court dockets. Supports real-time alerts when new documents are filed in cases you follow.

U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC)

Interactive tool from the U.S. Sentencing Commission to explore federal sentencing guidelines, offense levels, and comparable case data by jurisdiction.

LawHelp.org

A guide to free legal aid programs, court self-help centers, and legal resources organized by state. Ideal starting point for finding local assistance.

Legal Services Corporation

Find civil legal aid for low-income Americans. Enter your address to locate your nearest LSC-funded legal aid office and available services.

Wex Legal Dictionary (Cornell)

A free legal dictionary and encyclopedia maintained by Cornell Law School. Clear, plain-language definitions of thousands of legal terms and concepts.

ABA Free Legal Help Directory

The American Bar Association's directory of free and low-cost legal help programs across the country, organized by state and legal topic.

Nolo Legal Encyclopedia

Plain-language legal guides, articles, and how-to resources covering criminal law, civil rights, family law, employment, and much more.

Federal Courts — Pro Se Guide

Official federal judiciary guide for self-represented litigants. Covers how to file, what to expect in court, and how to navigate the federal court process without an attorney.

ACLU — Know Your Rights

Plain-language guides on constitutional rights during police stops, searches, arrests, immigration encounters, protests, and more — organized by topic.

The Innocence Project

A national nonprofit dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing and advancing reforms in the criminal justice system.

FAMM — Families Against Mandatory Minimums

Advocacy and resources for families impacted by mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Includes guides on the First Step Act and federal sentence reduction options.

Prison Policy Initiative

Data-driven research and reports on the U.S. criminal justice system. Useful for understanding systemic context, sentencing disparities, and post-release outcomes.

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Access and manage VA health care, disability compensation, education benefits, housing assistance, and survivor benefits.

Veterans Crisis Line

Confidential 24/7 crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. Dial 988 then Press 1. Chat and text options also available.

Stateside Legal

Free legal help resources for active-duty military, veterans, and their families — covering discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, housing, and civil legal matters.

NVLSP — Nat'l Veterans Legal Services Program

A national nonprofit ensuring veterans and survivors receive the benefits they earned through legal advocacy, training, and representation.

VA National Center for PTSD

Research, resources, and treatment information for veterans and families dealing with PTSD, TBI, and combat-related trauma. Includes self-assessment tools and treatment locators.