Law libraries contain much more than just cases and statutes. They contain books that help attorneys and others at every stage of litigation.

Form books are the result of that age-old question that attorneys often ask: WHY WORK WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO?

If someone else has created a form or template, why should you re-create the wheel?

AM.JUR. PROOF OF FACTS
AM.JUR. TRIALS
WEST'S LEGAL FORMS
BENDER'S DISCOVERY
MOORE'S FEDERAL PRACTICE
ETC.

THE INDEX

All form books rely on indexes. Start in the index. The index will lead to somewhere in the main volumes, which will usually not only provide forms or templates, but will also provide references to research aids.

THE MAIN VOLUME

The main volumes may contain forms, checklists, commentary, footnotes with references to other authority, illustrations, diagrams, or other material. The forms can be used in other ways. If, for instance, you find a set of questions for a deposition, you could always modify those for use in an interview, or in preparing deposition questions.

MORE . . .

-Form books are updated by pocket part, except for loose-leaf services, which are updated by replacing old pages with new ones.

-Form books are not generally cited in briefs or memos. They are, however, considered secondary authority.