Encyclopedias contain detailed introductory materials explaining how to use the set.
C.J.S. is a comprehensive overview of the law with footnote references to case law from all state jurisdictions. Some topics include West key numbers. C.J.S. has general index volumes plus separate topic indexes within most volumes. Major legal changes require total revision of the subject volumes. 2d also covers state law, and includes citations to the restatements, federal statutes, uniform laws, the A.L.R. series, court rules and periodical articles.