Secondary Sources: Missouri Resources

Practice materials are written for practicing attorneys and cover many Missouri legal topics. They contain concise summaries of the law as it currently is, along with information about its application to real world legal issues. They also have a variety of forms and checklists, tips for representing clients and proving a case, references to relevant statutes and cases with explanations, and more. 

Useful features: 

• Concise summaries written with practicing attorneys in mind.
• References to relevant cases and statutes. 
• Practical tips for handling cases.
• Forms and checklists. 

Things to be aware of: 

• Practice materials are not typically cited. 

Locating MOPRAC: Available in print in the Missouri Reference area on the first floor of the library. Also available on WestlawNext. 

Law reviews published by Missouri law schools: 

Business, Entrepreneurship & Tax Law Review (University of Missouri School of Law)

Journal of Dispute Resolution (University of Missouri School of Law)

Journal of Environmental and Sustainability Law (JESL) (University of Missouri School of Law) (No longer in publication)

Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (UMKC School of Law)

The Law Review (UMKC School of Law)

Missouri Law Review (University of Missouri School of Law)

Saint Louis University Journal of Health Law & Policy (Saint Louis University School of Law)

Saint Louis University Law Journal (Saint Louis University School of Law)

Saint Louis University Public Law Review (Saint Louis University School of Law)

The Urban Lawyer (UMKC School of Law)

Washington University Law Review (Washington University Law)

Washington University Journal of Law and Policy (Washington University Law)

Washington University Global Studies Law Review (Washington University Law)

Washington University Jurisprudence Review (Washington University Law)

Deskbooks: Missouri Bar CLE Deskbooks provide summaries of Missouri law on particular legal topics. They are written and updated by respected Missouri judges and attorneys and are published by the Missouri Bar Association, and are a great place to start out when researching a Missouri legal issue.

   Useful features: 

• Summaries of Missouri legal topics, including practical applications
• Includes citations to relevant statutes, cases, and secondary authority that can help you expand your research and find relevant mandatory authority
• Worksheets and sample forms

   Things to be aware of:

• Not typically cited

Guidebooks: Missouri Bar CLE guidebooks provide many of the same features of deskbooks, except they focus on very narrow legal topics.

   Useful features: 

• Summaries of Missouri legal topics, including practical applications
• Includes citations to relevant statutes, cases, and secondary authority that can help you expand your research and find relevant mandatory authority 
• Worksheets and sample forms

   Things to be aware of:

• Coverage is very narrowly focused
• Not as in depth as a deskbook
• Not typically cited

Locating Deskbooks and Guidebooks: Print versions are located in the Missouri Reference area on the first floor. The deskbooks are also available on LexisAdvance. 

Bar Journals: These often focus on bar association news and items members of the association might be interested in, but often contain substantive articles.

• Journal of the Missouri Bar: Published six times a year. Contains articles on substantive issues, regular columns addressing important areas of practice, notices of upcoming meetings and CLE events, and more. 

Legal Newspapers, Magazines, or Newsletters: These are current awareness tools for attorneys. They often contain articles on new developments in the law, information about controversies or trials that are currently happening, and disciplinary proceedings against members of the bar. The Missouri Bar Association publishes: 

• President: Quarterly magazine focused on helping busy practitioners maximize efficiency and effectiveness. 
• ESQ: Weekly electronic newsletter with summaries Missouri appellate cases from the past week. 
• Courts Bulletin: Summarizes each month's latest court decisions.