To find a case in a reporter, you will need to have the case citation. The citation provides the abbreviated name, series and volume number of the reporter containing the decision as well as the page on which it starts. Sometimes multiple reporters cover the same jurisdiction. A Professional System of Citation . Copies are on reserve at the circulation desk.
Some states have their own reporter, which exclusively publishes the decisions of that state.
Others rely upon a regional reporter that covers several states. For example, the decisions of the Iowa Supreme Court were printed in Iowa Reports until 1968. Iowa opinions may also be found on the Internet at FindLaw and the Official website for the Iowa Judicial Branch . The Function of Digests Digests print the headnote summaries of each case's points of law in a subject arrangement. Determine the jurisdiction for which you need to find cases, and then consult a digest that covers that jurisdiction.