You probably already know a little something about the topic you chose, but it's important to find out more in order to write an intelligent research paper and/or make a good argument.
Ask yourself:
Reference resources help you find out more!
Library Research Guides lead you to the best resources to use when searching for information on your topic.
Always check to see if there's a Research Guide on your topic.
• Look up your keywords in the indexes to subject encyclopedias.
• Read articles in these encyclopedias to set the context for your research.
• Note relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles.
• Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings.
Click on one of the handy PDF guides below for a list of all the legal resources available at Cerritos College Library
Reference Sources 
Once you have chosen a topic for your paper, use general reference sources to get background information on your topic. Reference books such as the encyclopedias, dictionaries and handbooks, and the current issue titles are a good starting point for your research because they help you become better acquainted with your topic.
See the lists below for some selected reference sources available online and in print. Ask a librarian if you need help finding more resources.
Online reference resources require login for off-campus use. Enter your Cerritos College login when prompted. For more login information see the Database Login page.
Here are some of the library's online reference resources which can help you get some background information on your topic. These resources are available on and off campus.
Here are some reference books that are located in the library's Reference area. Although they cannot be checked out, students are able to photocopy pages.
Ballentine's Thesaurus for Legal Research and Writing by 
Black's Law Dictionary by 
Corpus Juris Secundum
Immigration Law for Paralegals by 
Legal Research by 
Nolo's Guide to California Law by 
The Oxford Book of Legal Anecdotes by 
The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States by 
The Paralegal's Handbook by Shepard's Acts and Cases by Popular Names, Federal and State.Shepard's California CitationsShepard's California Case Names CitatorSummary of California Law
Using the California Style Manual and the Bluebook by 
The U. S. Legal System by West's California Criminal Law by West's California Jurisprudence 3d : Based on California Statutes and Regulations, and Case Law, State and Federal.GET HELP