# How to Research Case Law in vLex Library

### Summary

Find and analyze **case law** using vLex Library's powerful search tools and AI-powered analysis features. You can search for cases using the Smart Searchbar, Advanced Search, or Browse, then use integrated tools to understand a case's context and authority.

### Why This is Important

Effective case law research is the foundation of legal practice. vLex Library's tools not only help you find relevant cases but also provide instant analysis of their precedential value, saving you critical time and helping you avoid citing bad law.

### How to Find Case Law

1. **Start Your Search:** Use the **Smart Searchbar** for a party name or topic, or use **Advanced Search** and select **Case law** as the **Content** type for more specific filters like **Court**, **Judge**, or **Citation**.
2. **Filter Your Results:** On the results page, use the filters on the left to narrow your search by **Jurisdiction**, **Date**, **Category**, and more.

### How to Analyze a Case

Once you open a case in the Document Viewer, use these key features:

* **Vincent Case Analysis:** At the top of the judgment, an AI-powered summary provides the key legal issues at a glance.
* **Document Tabs:** Use the tabs (**Cited authorities**, **Cited in**, **Precedent Map**) to analyze the case's citation relationships.
* **Information Cards:** On the right, cards show **Key phrases** and **Key paragraphs** (the most-cited passages) to help you quickly grasp the most important parts of the judgment.
* **Search Within Document:** Use the magnifying glass icon at the top-left to search for keywords *within the case you are viewing*.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="English Interface" %}

<figure><img src="/files/OpEUucFoB8SL3Esdkevf" alt=""><figcaption><p>Analyze a case using the AI summary, document tabs, and information cards.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Interfaz en Español" %}

<figure><img src="/files/AeeMIjSIIcP74mWXDX2v" alt=""><figcaption><p>Analiza un caso usando el resumen por IA, las pestañas del documento y las tarjetas de información.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Always Verify the Law
:** Citation analysis tools are powerful aids for your research, but you must always read the source material to confirm that a case is still good law and supports your argument.
{% endhint %}

### Best Practices & Pro Tips

* **Check for Reported Versions:** If a case has been reported, different versions will appear in separate tabs at the top of the document (e.g., "Judgment," "WLR," "ICLR").
* **View the Original PDF:** Select the **PDF** button on the right to view the original court-filed version of the document, complete with signatures and seals.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Jurisdiction-Specific Analysis Tools** The citation analysis tools you see (like treatment types or flags) vary by country. For a detailed breakdown of the features available for the UK, Ireland, the US, and other jurisdictions, please see our complete guide on [How to Analyze Case Authority and Precedent](/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/content-and-document-types/how-to-analyze-case-authority-and-precedent.md).
{% endhint %}

### Relevant Video Content

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/917973410?share=copy>" %}

### Related Articles

* [How to Analyze Case Authority and Precedent](/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/content-and-document-types/how-to-analyze-case-authority-and-precedent.md)
* [How to Use Key Number Topics for Research](/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/content-and-document-types/how-to-use-key-number-topics-for-research.md)
* [How to Find, Analyze, and Track Legislation](/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/content-and-document-types/how-to-find-analyze-and-track-legislation.md)

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| **New to** vLex Library **?**                                                                                                                                                                                   | **Already a** vLex Library **Customer?**                                                                                                                   |
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