Foreign and International Legal Research

International legal research can be a complex yet fascinating task. International law research specifically requires understanding and applying key sources include treaties, judicial decisions, custom, general principles of law, and scholarly writings. This guide will help you take the first steps in your research, including understanding the topic, utilizing secondary sources, and navigating primary law materials.

1. Understand the Jurisdiction and/or Subject Area

To start international legal research, it’s essential to first gain a basic understanding of the jurisdiction or legal subject you're investigating. Begin by reading a treatise on the topic or using reference works like legal dictionaries or encyclopedias to familiarize yourself with key concepts, terms, and institutions. Additionally, consulting research guides or manuals is invaluable, as they provide detailed explanations of legal systems, key treaties, and decisions relevant to your research area.

2. Evaluate What Information Will Meet Your Needs
International law research often involves fragmented resources, unlike the comprehensive databases used in U.S. law. Set realistic expectations, as secondary sources like journals or treatises may be sufficient. Determine if you need primary law (treaties, cases, legislation) or if secondary sources will provide the necessary context and citations.

3. Consult Secondary Sources First
Secondary sources, such as books and journal articles, provide essential context and analysis before you dive into primary materials. They often cite primary law, making it easier to find treaties, cases, or statutes. Start with scholarly articles, treatises, or research guides to build your foundation and identify key legal materials.

4. Identify Sources of Primary Law Materials
After consulting secondary sources, locate primary law materials in official databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, government websites, or international organizations like the UN or EU. Open-access sites like the UN Treaty Collection and the Legal Information Institute provide direct access to key documents. Research guides, such as the Foreign Law Guide, can help you navigate primary law sources.

5. Get Help as Needed
If international legal research becomes challenging, seek help from law librarians and research fellows. Law librarians are available by appointment or walk-in basis and research fellows are located in the library at the reference desk or in the writing center. 

UNM School of Law Library Video: International Law Research Strategies

Research Guides for International and Foreign Legal Research
Research guides play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of international and foreign legal systems. Thanks to a global network of law librarians and legal research specialists, a wealth of well-crafted guides are available—ranging from broad overviews to more focused resources tailored to specific jurisdictions or legal topics. These guides enable researchers to grasp key concepts, become familiar with relevant legal frameworks, and quickly locate the appropriate resources, whether embarking on new research or delving into specialized areas.

University Law Libraries
University law libraries are valuable sources for curated research guides, often offering overviews of jurisdictions and legal topics. Notable libraries include; Georgetown, Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and NYU.

Other Reliable Research Guide Sources

Research guides can be found from non-university libraries through other libraries and organizations. Institutions like the Law Library of Congress and the UN Library offer specialized guides, especially in international relations, human rights, and trade law. GlobaLex provides in-depth guides on international and comparative law, covering legal systems, treaties, and resources for locating legal materials.