The Competitive Edge http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library A Cornell Law Library Blog Fri, 11 May 2012 19:46:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Research prize winners, 2012 http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/05/11/research-prize-winners-2012/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/05/11/research-prize-winners-2012/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 19:46:41 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=691 [...]]]> The Cornell Law Library is pleased to announce the 2012 recipients of The Cornell Law Library Prize for Exemplary Student Research:

First Place: Annexation of the Jury’s Role in Res Judicata Disputes: The Silent Migration from Question of Fact to Question of Law, by Steven Madrid, 2L

Steven Madrid focused his research on two hundred years of case law to uncover an historical development not currently identified in any secondary source.  Discerning the silent migration of the jury’s role in res judicata disputes from question of fact to question of law required performing the difficult research task of proving a negative – in this instance, proving the absence of cases overturning relevant precedent or otherwise affirmatively establishing res judicata disputes as a question of law.  Steven’s research was further challenged by the fact that current terminology, i.e. “res judicata,” “collateral estoppel,” “claim preclusion,” and “issue preclusion,” was rarely used in nineteenth century cases.  This necessarily led to the creation of innovative search queries to complete the project.

Steven’s foray into the history of his topic was unplanned at the outset of his research, and he notes that, “by maintaining an open attitude a researcher can mold his/her topic into a slight variation that may prove more interesting and novel.”

Second Place: Targeted Killing and Just War:  Reconciling Kill-Capture Missions and the Combatant Civilian Framework, by Louis Guard, 3L

Louis Guard’s research encompassed a diverse array of legal, philosophical, and factual resources.  Not only did he examine the theoretical underpinnings of customary international law principles, but he successfully navigated the intricate research involved in locating hard evidence of customary international law as well.  To this he added an accurate accounting of the specific facts and circumstances surrounding his topic.  His sources included blogs, military-specific news sources, policy briefs and position papers, speeches and public statements, treaties and their interpretive documents, and even a number of forthcoming publications.

Through discussions with both scholars and practitioners, Louis learned how depth of research affects quality of scholarship.  He states, “Academic pieces lacking in rigorous research seem to do little in advancing the [academic] dialogue and are short lived.  The more novel and valuable contributions always seemed to be those that were more thoroughly and competently researched.”

A review panel comprised of Librarians Jean Callihan, Pat Court, Amy Emerson, Matt Morrison and Nina Scholtz selected the winners from among 27 competitive entries.

Funding for the Prize is provided by an endowment given to the Law Library by Barbara Cantwell in honor of her late husband, Robert Cantwell, a 1956 graduate of Cornell Law School.

In addition to receiving a monetary award, the winners are also invited to publish their papers in Scholarship@Cornell Law, the Law Library’s digital repository, and to feature their papers in Reading Room displays.

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/05/11/research-prize-winners-2012/feed/ 0 Research consults http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/05/04/research-consults/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/05/04/research-consults/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 13:52:27 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=685 [...]]]> Throughout the year, Research Librarians provide customized sessions with individual students to prepare for their summer jobs, clerkships, public interest work, and post-graduate positions. These consultations become even more valuable as you prepare for summer employment. Tailored advice includes, but is not limited to, specific jurisdictional sources, key resources in substantive practice areas, and advanced research skills and strategies. Consultations can be as short as 15 minutes or last up to 60 minutes. Our registration form allows you to specify your interests and needs, and request a particular Research Librarian if desired. Forms are available at the Circulation Desk in the Reading Room and here.

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/05/04/research-consults/feed/ 0 Restricted access during exams http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/27/restricted-access-during-exams/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/27/restricted-access-during-exams/#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:12:34 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=678 [...]]]> As classes end and we begin the exam period, the Law Library has restricted access from April 28 through May 14. During restricted access the Law Library is open to law school affiliates, university faculty, and non-law students conducting legal research.  The Law Library continues to be sensitive to the needs of the university community during exams, and non-law students who need to retrieve books or obtain research assistance are welcome to visit the library for those purposes.

Good luck on exams one and all!

 

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/27/restricted-access-during-exams/feed/ 0 Summer access to Wexis and Bloomberg http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/18/summer-access-to-wexis-and-bloomberg/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/18/summer-access-to-wexis-and-bloomberg/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:28:08 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=674 [...]]]> Bloomberg:  Your academic account remains active during the summer and there are no restrictions on its use.  It can be used for both academic and commercial purposes.  For graduates, your BLAW account remains active through December 2012.

 

Lexis:  You will have full access to Lexis Advance during the summer without special registration.  If you do not have a Lexis Advance account, contact our Lexis rep, Aaron Eberle, aaron.eberle@lexisnexis.com Academic use only, commercial use is prohibited.

Academic use includes:

  • Summer course preparation and assignments
  • Journal and Moot Court research
  • Research associated with pursuing a grant or scholarship
  • Working as a faculty research assistant
  • An internship, externship, or clinic position for school credit or graduation requirement
  • Bar exam preparation
  • Research skill improvement

For summer access to Lexis.com, you will need to register at www.lexisnexis.com/lawschool/ at which a registration form will be available by the end of April.  Register before the end of May.  Same restrictions on academic use apply as above.

 

Westlaw:  You will have full access to both Westlaw.com and Westlaw Next for the summer without special registration.  NOTE: West is placing a per month limit on the use of each; however, the hour limit is significantly higher than the maximum number of hours used by any student during the school year.  If you exceed the limitation, you will be able to register for additional hours at https://lawschool.westlaw.com Academic use only, commercial use is prohibited.

Academic use includes:

  • Law school coursework
  • Journal or Moot Court research
  • Working as a faculty research assistant
  • Unpaid, non-profit public interest positions, excluding government and court positions
  • Pro bono work for academic credit
  • Bar exam preparation

If you have questions, contact Matt Morrison.

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/18/summer-access-to-wexis-and-bloomberg/feed/ 0 CALI lessons for exam prep http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/16/cali-lessons-for-exam-prep/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/16/cali-lessons-for-exam-prep/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:53:14 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=670 [...]]]> CALI is the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, and Cornell Law School is a member, providing you access to over 800 interactive tutorials on narrow topics of law. Also, CALI has many lessons keyed to specific casebooks. Check here to see if your casebook is included. Some sample lessons include:

  • Basic Future Interests / Property
  • Summary Judgment / Civil Procedure
  • Liquidated Damages / Contracts
  • Capital Gain Mechanics / Federal Income Taxation
  • Authority of Partners to Bind the Partnership / Business Associations
  • Best Evidence Rule / Evidence

If you do not have a CALI account, stop by the Reference Desk or email Matt Morrison for the registration password.

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/16/cali-lessons-for-exam-prep/feed/ 0 Dogs and llamas and you, oh my http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/16/dogs-and-llamas-and-you-oh-my/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/16/dogs-and-llamas-and-you-oh-my/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:39:53 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=661 [...]]]> On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, the Law Library will host Cornell Companions, a pet visitation program sponsored by the Cornell University veterinary community.  From 11:00am to 1:00pm, six dogs and two llamas will be available to law students in the Law School Courtyard (or foyer in the event of rain).  Interested students are invited to sign up for this event at the Circulation Desk in the Library.  Up to 25 students may attend each twenty-minute session.  The animals are vaccinated, free of parasites, trained in obedience, and screened for the proper temperament.  Enjoy this opportunity to relax before finals in the therapeutic companionship of an affectionate pet!   Please let us know if you have any questions or comments by emailing the Law Library at lawlib.admin@cornell.edu

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/16/dogs-and-llamas-and-you-oh-my/feed/ 0 Be rewarded for your work http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/11/be-rewarded-for-your-work/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/11/be-rewarded-for-your-work/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:48:55 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=655 [...]]]> The Cornell Law Library invites 2Ls, 3Ls, and LLMs to submit scholarly research papers to be considered for the Cornell Law Library Prize for Exemplary Student Research.  All papers must have been written in the time period spanning June, 2011 – May, 2012.  Entries may include, but are not limited to, papers written for a class or journal notes.  Work product generated through summer or other employment will not be accepted.  Papers must be a minimum of 10 pages in length, must be written in proper Bluebook format, and must be properly footnoted.  First prize is $500, second prize is $250, and both winners will be invited to publish their papers in Scholarship@Cornell Law, a digital repository of the Cornell Law Library.  For submission procedure and selection criteria, please visit the Law Library website.  Submissions will be accepted on an ongoing basis through May 2, 2012.

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/04/11/be-rewarded-for-your-work/feed/ 0 Current digest of the Chinese press http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/03/05/current-digest-of-the-chinese-press/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/03/05/current-digest-of-the-chinese-press/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:21:05 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=649 [...]]]> Need to stay up-to-date with news and events in China?  The Law Library has a new electronic subscription called Current Digest of the Chinese Press.  This is an excellent resource, especially for those who do not read Chinese, because it offers an unabridged and unfiltered English translation.  The product is published by East View Press, and it offers a comprehensive view of China through relevant and timely stories.  The Digest is a weekly that culls articles from a broad range of sources all aimed at a domestic audience.  These articles are then carefully translated so as not to lose the actual sense and meaning of the original article.  So, if you need reliable Chinese news, be sure to check out the Current Digest.

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/03/05/current-digest-of-the-chinese-press/feed/ 0 We have what you are looking for! http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/02/20/we-have-what-youre-looking-for/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/02/20/we-have-what-youre-looking-for/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:50:39 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=644 [...]]]> You gave the Law Library an outstanding return rate on the recent Student Survey, and we are pouring over the results now.  For those of you who commented that you wish the library had a certain book or other items, we don’t want you to be bereft any longer.  These were here all along:

New York Times and Wall St. Journal – How could we all live without these daily newspapers?  The current issues are on the Circulation Desk counter and then available behind the desk for one month.

Israeli Human Rights Yearbook – Computers are so literal.  You have to type in the Title correctly, or they will be contrary.  The title is Israel Yearbook on Human Rights, and the Law Library has all volumes 1-41, from 1971-2011, on the new ground floor at K3236.3 .I87.

Model Penal Code Online –That’s available on your friends Westlaw (ULS-MPC) and Lexis (MODPEN).

Tribal Codes and Cases – Check out HeinOnline.  It’s not just for journals any more!  Go to the American Indian Law Collection. “With nearly 800 unique titles and more than 765,000 pages dedicated to American Indian Law, this collection includes an expansive archive of treaties, federal statutes and regulations, federal case law, tribal codes, constitutions, and jurisprudence.”

Chinese Law Dictionary – Two good ones are in the reference collection in the Reading Room, alcove 3.  英汉-汉英双向法律词典 = An English-Chinese and Chinese-English Two-Way Law Dictionary at K52.C5 Y59x.7 and Ying Han fa lü ci dian = English-Chinese Dictionary of Law at K52.C5 Y566x.

Terry Pratchett and dogs – Olin Library has all of this author’s books and will send them to the Law Library for you to pick up.  Just find the title you want in the online catalog and click the REQUESTS button at the top.  Then select BOOK DELIVERY SYSTEM from the drop-down menu at the bottom; click OK.  Select Law Circulation for where you will pick it up.

Be sure and check with a reference librarian if you aren’t finding what you need.  We’ll be happy to help!

]]> http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/02/20/we-have-what-youre-looking-for/feed/ 0 New state-of-the-art scanner available http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/02/14/new-state-of-the-art-scanner-available/ http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/2012/02/14/new-state-of-the-art-scanner-available/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:27:50 +0000 library http://blog.law.cornell.edu/library/?p=637 [...]]]> Dear Students:

Be sure to check out the new scanner (next to the printer) in the reading room during your next trip to the library. Please try it out and let us know what you think.

Features of the BookEdge Plus KIC Scanner

KIC BookEdge Plus embodies state-of-the-art walk-up scanning solutions for students and faculty.  Using a touch screen, scan in black and white or color and at resolutions up to 600dpi and output to a variety of formats including searchable PDF, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, even MP3 audio files.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Scan/copy up to 24×17 inch bound or unbound material at twice the speed of a high-speed copier
  • Create full color electronic images and/or paper copies with a single touch
  • Review large electronic images at nearly full-size before printing copies
  • Electronically collate and print copies
  • C r e a t e searchable PDF, JPEG, TIFF, PNG and editable text files
  • Create audio files from text for MP3 players, including iPods
  • Create, collate, and print reports with title pages and style templates
  • Go ‘green’. Promote minimal use of paper and ink

KIC has many ways to store, send and print information.

  • USB drive
  • E-mail, FTP
  • PDF and searchable PDF
  • Audio Podcast
  • Local or Network Printer

All the best,

Library Staff

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