EDSP 407: SP ED Law and Procedures

Nexis Uni has a fairly simple interface--you can type any search term into the search box, including a case citation or name. You can also use the Guided Search to narrow your results specifically to cases.

Start on the Nexis Uni home screen and click "Cases." This will change the next box to Jurisdiction. Choose "Federal" or "State." Enter the case citation or name in the "...about" box.

If you type in the citation, the case you're looking for should be the first result. If you type in the case name by party names, you may find multiple cases with that name and have to choose yours from a list. Tip: Check the dates and court name to make sure you're looking at the right case!

The case screen will start out with a summary of the case, list "core terms" (subject headings/tags), and the LexisNexis® Headnotes (summaries of each point of law covered in the case). The "case" itself is the opinion of the presiding judge, or, in the case of the Supreme Court, one of the justices writing on behalf of the majority. 

You can determine whether the case is still considered valid law or if it's been overturned by looking at the icon in the middle and upper right of the screen and mousing over. Note: most major cases will have the yellow triangle icon indicating that the law is still good but there has been some later dissent.

*Content by UC San Diego Libraries

Shepard's Signal Indicators and Meanings

Red Stop Sign Symbol - Warning: Negative Treatment Indicated

This symbol indicates that citing references contain strong negative history or treatment. For example, the case may be overruled or reversed. 

Red Exclamation Point - Warning: Negative Treatment Indicated for Statute.

This symbol indicates that the citing references in the case contain strong negative treatment. For example, the section may have been to be unconstitutional or void. 

Questioned  - Validity Questioned by Citing References

This symbol indicates that the citing references contain treatment that questions the continuing validity or precedential value of the case due to intervening circumstances. These circumstances also include judicial or legislative overruling. 

Yellow Triangle  - Caution: Possible Negative Treatment 

This symbol indicates that the citing references of the case contain history or treatment that may have a negative impact. 

Positive Treatment  

This symbol indicates that citing references in the case has history or treatment that positively impacts the case. For example, the case has been affirmed or followed by the citing reference.

Blue 'A'  - Citing References with Analysis Available

This symbol indicates that citing references contain treatment that is neither positive nor negative. For example, the citing reference explained a section of the case. 

Blue 'I'  - Citation Information Available

This symbol indicates that citing references are available, but these references do not have a history or treatment analysis for the case.