Finally, currency should be mentioned again. When dealing with finding case law on the Web, it is important to note that most databases do not cover cases prior to 1980. There are exceptions, however, and researchers should check the sources below to determine coverage dates. Remember to check often, because many Webmasters are working diligently on increasing the dates of coverage. Just a quick word about reporters.
Reporters are where cases are published when the court that heard the case wrote an opinion.
Not all cases have published opinions. The lower level trial courts' decision on a case can usually only be found in the file room for that courthouse. Cases that get published in reporters are usually cases that have been appealed past the trial court level. There are exceptions, however. There are many reporters and they each have their own abbreviated citation and name.