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Finding Cases Using Print Resources: Finding a Case by Name

Learn how to find relevant case law in the MU Law Library / Last updated by Jacob Wood, JD '25

Once you have selected the appropriate digest, look for the Table of Cases at the end of the set. 

Is your party plaintiff or defendant? 

  1. The “Table of Cases” lists plaintiff’s name first.
  2. The “Defendant-Plaintiff Table” lists defendant’s name first.

When you have found the case name, the table will give you the citation:  e.g., Williams v. Rubiera, 539 F.2d 470.  Legal citations normally follow this format:

To find tables of abbreviations, consult the "Reference Sources..." box below.

If you need assistance deciphering the citation, consult the guide Legal Abbreviations.