How SMART is Westlaw?
The “Search these Databases” box is a SMART box, too. You can easily find a database by describing it in plain English — don’t abbreviate anything to give the system the most context. Westlaw will display the databases which closely match your description, including hyperlinks into your database as well as the identifier and SCOPE icon. Try typing “Wright Miller” into the “Search these Databases” box; another good example is “New York Statutes.” Is there a synonym for Thesaurus? To make sure your search terms cover all the different ways a judge might phrase your legal issue be sure to use synonyms. Click the “Thesaurus” link to the right of the Search box and let Westlaw suggest additional search terms! Also, don’t miss the “Add Related Terms,” “Expand Search,” and “Did You Mean” Smart Tools hiding in the Search area of your Westlaw preferences. Do you have a one-time research assignment and need to learn more about the topic? Westlaw has a tab that can help. You can display a topica
