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Using Boolean Operators to Refine Your Search

Refine your vLex legal research with Boolean operators. Use AND, OR, "", and proximity search in vLex Library to find precise results and save time.

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Summary

Refine your vlex legal research by using Boolean operators to control your search terms. These simple commands (like AND, OR, NOT) and symbols (like "" and *) allow you to create highly specific queries for more accurate results.

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Why This is Important

Mastering Boolean operators transforms your searching from a simple guess into a precise instruction. This allows you to eliminate irrelevant documents, pinpoint critical information faster, and build a stronger legal argument by ensuring you find exactly what you are looking for.

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How to Use Boolean Operators

You can use Boolean operators directly in the Smart Searchbar or in the Advanced operators field within Advanced Search. The operators must be written in ALL CAPS.

Below is a list of the most common operators and how to use them.

Operator
Purpose
Example

AND

Narrows your search. Finds documents containing both terms.

contract AND remedy

OR

Broadens your search. Finds documents containing either term or both.

breach OR non-performance

AND NOT

Excludes terms. Finds documents with the first term but not the second.

obligation AND NOT discharge

"exact phrase"

Finds an exact phrase. Searches for the words together in that specific order.

"liquidated damages"

* (Wildcard)

Finds variations of a word. Searches for all words that start with the root term.

negoti* (finds negotiate, negotiation, etc.)

[ ] (Proximity)

Finds words near each other. Searches for terms within a default proximity of 30 words.

[damages compensation]

[ ]/N (Custom Proximity)

Specifies proximity. Finds terms within a specific number (N) of words of each other.

[negotiation performance]/5

( ) (Grouping)

Combines operators. Groups parts of a query to be processed first, for complex searches.

contract AND (negotiation

OR performance)

Combine operators using the Smart Searchbar or the Advanced operators field.

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Best Practices & Pro Tips

  • Combine Operators with Parentheses: For the most precise control, use parentheses ( ) to group OR statements or other complex logic. The search engine will process the query inside the parentheses first.

  • Case is Critical: All operators (AND, OR, AND NOT) must be in uppercase to be recognized by the search engine.

  • Start Simple: Begin with a basic search and then add operators to refine the results if you get too much irrelevant information.

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