- Trial Court Law Libraries
Resources spotlight: Laws by source
Don't know where to find a Statue from 1920? Trying to track down a Massachusetts Executive order? Wondering what Boston's Zoning ordinances are?
The Trial Court Law Libraries and our Laws By Source page can help. We have compiled hyperlinks and materials from every corner of Massachusetts government so everything you need is in one place. Most material is online including the Acts and Resolves, current legislative materials, and CMRs. A huge collection of historical materials dating back to the 1600s is even available via the State Library's digital archive. Once you have looked at the primary sources make sure to reach out so we can get you the books and articles you need to enhance your research even more!
Community events
Have an event idea? Want to present at a movie night or community talk? Reach out to Jazz or Emily to get the conversation started.
Finding Trustworthy Immigration Resources in Massachusetts
Presented in partnership with the Boston Public Library.
- When: Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 1PM to 2PM
- Where: Via Zoom (use this link to register)
- Open to the public
Law Librarian Office Hours at the Brockton Public Library
- When: Thursdays from 3PM to 4PM
- Where: Brockton Public Library, 304 Main St, 3rd Fl, Feinberg room, Brockton, MA
- Open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis
Plymouth County Probate and Family Guardianship Clinic
- When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 1PM-4PM
- Where: Plymouth Law Library, 52 Obery St., Suite 0117, Plymouth, MA
- Contact: Please reach out to the Plymouth Law Library at (508) 747-4796 for more information
What's new at the Brockton & Plymouth law libraries?
A monthly round-up of the newest titles and updates available at the Brockton and Plymouth law libraries!
See a title of interest that’s not at the library closest to you? No problem! We can have any book from any Trial Court Law Library delivered to the library branch nearest to you for pick-up and drop-off.
Massachusetts (Both locations)
- MassTax Guide, Sept. 2025 supp., Thomson Reuters
- Massachusetts Trial Handbook for Lawyers, 2025-2026 supp., Thomson Reuters
- Massachusetts Condominium Law, 6th ed., MCLE
- Alcohol, Food Service, and Entertainment Licensing, 6th ed., MCLE
- Prosecution and Defense of Forfeiture Cases, Rel. 77, LexisNexis
- New Appleman: Insurance Bad Faith Litigation, Rel. 79, LexisNexis
- Massachusetts Corporations and Other Business Entities, 2025 Ed., LexisNexis
Massachusetts Practice Annual Updates (Both locations)
- Insurance Law, Vol. 58
- Drunk Driving Defense, Vol. 5
- Business Corporations: With Forms, Vol. 13
- Elder Law, Vol. 56
- Criminal Law, Vol. 32
- Trial Practice, Vols. 43-43B
What we do
There are 15 Trial Court Law Libraries located across Massachusetts to serve the legal research needs of the courts, attorneys, and the general public.
The Trial Court Law Libraries are free and open to everyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Massachusetts. We are committed to providing legal reference services and legal research assistance to all.
Library cards are free! Our card will work at all 15 law library locations and provides access to materials in the libraries as well as to some databases from your home or office.
We provide the following services to the public:
- Help locating legal resources, including legal forms
- Provide online assistance via email, chat and document delivery
- Instruction in the use of print and digital resources
- Verify legal citations
- Locate and obtain resources in other law libraries through inter-library loan service
- Deliver documents, such as cases, by email and mail
- Referrals and contact information for community resources, legal assistance programs, and social service agencies
Virtual services
Can’t make it into the law library? We can bring the law library to you! We are happy to help you with all of your legal information needs directly from your home or office. Ask us a reference question over the phone or send us an email and we can send you relevant case law and book chapters electronically. If you have a legal citation, we can send you the document with the Lexis Shepard’s Report or West Law’s KeyCite.
How to contact the Trial Court Law Libraries
- Call or email your local law library
- Chat with a law librarian
- Statewide email reference and document delivery
- Text a law librarian at 866-885-6277 (866-885-MASS)
- Zoom with a law librarian
In-person services
Patrons who visit the Trial Court Law Libraries in person have access to the full range of services we offer. In the libraries, patrons can browse and borrow from each location’s full print collection, as well as request and pick up/drop off print materials borrowed from any of the Trial Court Law Libraries across the state. Every location also has patron computers with free access to Westlaw, Lexis, VitalLaw, HeinOnline, and multiple databases provided by Social Law Library. Free public wi-fi and printer/copier/scanner access are also available. Last but not least, every location is staffed by knowledgeable law librarians who can assist you with finding resources that meet your needs.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
About the authors
Emily Morin-Martel is the Head Law Librarian of the Plymouth Law Library. Questions or requests can be sent to: plymouthlawlibrary@jud.state.ma.us.
Jasmine ("Jazz") Bonanca is the Head Law Librarian of the Brockton Law Library. Questions or requests can be sent to: brocktonlawlibrary@jud.state.ma.us.