Accessing Key Numbers and Headnotes Electronically

Both Lexis and Westlaw have electronic resources to search cases with descriptive words. Youcan access them in a searchable form. In Westlaw, use Key Numbers. In Lexis, use Topic orHeadnote. You must be signed on to Westlaw or Lexis to access these items.

In Westlaw, go to the Key Numbers.

Once there, you can browse the Key Number Digest or do a Keysearch (which finds cases andother documents related to the topic that are not Key Numbered).

You can also search for Key Numbers with descriptive terms as you do in the Index to the Digest. Make sure that you choose your jurisdiction (this example uses Florida).

Scan down the list of Key Notes to find the ones you want to use.

When you click on the Key Number, it will display citations to cases related to that Key Numberand a brief summary.

In Lexis, go to by Topic or Headnote in the Search tab.

Once there, you can browse by Legal Topic or search for Topics with descriptive terms as you doin the Index to the Digest.

Then scroll through the list to find the resources you want.

Again, you have to pick a jurisdiction. You also have to pick sources to search. If you include anarrowing search term, you will get more relevant results.

When you Search, it will display citations to cases related to that Topic and a brief summary. The citations are sorted by date, so you may have to scroll through many to get to the mostrelevant cases.