Researching International Law

Reference/Background | Databases | Journals | Books and Other Materials |

Web Sites | Online Guides

Reference/Background Resources

•  Encyclopedia of Public International Law
  JX 1226 .E5 1992 (Watson Library Reference)
  
  
• CIA World Factbook (Country information)
  
  
• Background Notes (U.S. Department of State)
  Find descriptions of the history, people, land, economies, foreign relations, and governments of independent states, dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty.
  
  
• Foreign Government Resources on the Web (University of Michigan)
   Compiled by the University of Michigan Documents, find foreign government and international web sites and related information, including news and statistics.
  
  
• Intergovernmental Organizations Search Engine           
  Custom search engine available through Indiana University. Use to identify agencies, publications, and documents related to international law. Search over 390 IGO web sites, including the United Nations and European Union.       
  
  
• Black's Law Dictionary
  8th edition, 2004
  KF156.B53 2004 (print, various locations in Law Library at dictionary stands)

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Databases (KU Libraries)

• HeinOnline
  
  
• Index to legal periodicals & books
   
  
• LexisNexis Academic - Legal Research
  
  
• United Nations Common Database
  UNCDB provides statistical data from selected series of 30 specialized international data sources for all available countries and areas.
  
  

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Journals (Use e-journal or KU Libraries Catalog for availability)

• American Journal of International Law
  
  
• International Legal Materials
  
  
• Harvard International Law Journal
  
  
• European Journal of International Law
  
  

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Books and other Materials (KU Libraries Catalog)

Search by Subject Headings

Example Subject Headings:

• International Law (& subdivisions)
• State, the
• Sovereignty
• Boundaries
• War (International Law
  

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Web Sites

• Treaties in Force (U.S. Dept. of State.  Office of the Legal Advisor)
  Treaties in Force as of January 1, 2005 (most recent date available)
   
• United Nations "Treaty Collection." 
  Starting point to access laws and treaties that involve the United Nations.  The treaties section has information about active or not in force, participants,and Monthly Statements of Treaties and International Agreements.
  
  
•  United Nations "International Law." 
  All legal issues related to the United Nations
  
  
•  UN Library Catalog
  Catalogue of United Nations (UN) documents and publications. 
  
  
•  International Court of Justice  (“World Court”)
  Principal judicial body of the United Nations. The ICJ is hears cases between nation states.
  
  
• International Criminal Court (ICC)
  ICC is an official organ of the United Nations. The ICC is charged with "try persons charged with genocide or other crimes of similar gravity". 

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Online guides

• KU Wheat Library Legal Research Links - International
  
  
• KU International Documents Finding Guide
  
  
• KU International Documents Finding Strategies
  
  
•  Harvard Law School "Guide to Researching International Law on the Internet."
  
  
• The American Society of International Law (ASIL): Guide to Information Systems for International Law
  Guide to international law electronic resources. Section include: human rights, news groups, and networks.
  
  
• ASIL Guide to Electronic Resources for International Law: Introduction
  Database of authenticated primary and other materials across the breadth of international law

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Citing Your Sources

KU Libraries Citation Web Site
Contains links to citation guides for all styles, KU Writing Center, and locations for print manuals.

Questions: Amalia Monroe, Political Science Librarian, almonroe@ku.edu

Originally compiled by MSH (2007)
Last Updated: 8/8/2008

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