The law librarians and library staff at Robert Crown Law Library are here to help you! You can find the latest information about our hours and services on the library homepage. There are several ways to contact us:
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The purpose of this guide is to provide information on how find current and historical dictionaries, including common English language dictionaries, legal dictionaries, specialized dictionaries, and other foreign language dictionaries.
Judges and lawyers commonly use dictionary definitions to assist with legal analysis. Points to consider when using dictionaries:
For more information about how dictionaries are used in the legal field, see the "Related Articles and Guides" page of this guide.
SearchWorks is the online catalog for all Stanford Libraries. It includes both a general search bar and an advanced search function.
If the dictionary you are looking for is not available at Stanford, you can submit an Interlibrary Loan request. We will try to obtain the book or scans of selected pages of the book from another institution.
You can also request a scan (instead of obtaining the physical book) by selecting "copy" instead of "loan."
The Law Library has scanners available for use without cost. One is located on the ground floor behind the Borrowing Services Desk and the another is located in the 2nd Floor Teaming Room (same room as the Course Reserves). Copying will require payment.
When scanning, remember to include:
This will help you keep track of the version of the dictionary you are using.
Dictionaries located in storage facilities (SAL1&2, SAL3) can be directly requested for scans in SearchWorks.
For Interlibrary Loans, you can also request a scan (instead of obtaining the physical book) by selecting "copy" instead of "loan."
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