Free Online Research Tools: Casetext

 Casetext is one of a growing number of free online sources for legal research. Developed by attorneys, data scientists, and engineers, Casetext offers free access to over 10 million cases, statutes, and regulations, plus articles and commentary from leading litigators. Coverage includes all United States Supreme Court decisions, Circuit Court and District Court decisions from 1925-present, all State Supreme and Appellate Courts decisions from 1950-present (including Ohio), federal statutes and regulations, and statutes from selected states (not including Ohio). To access the free database, enter your search terms in the search box at the top of the page. Then use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow your results.

When accessing court opinions, several features are included for free. Casetext shows negative treatment flags, “key passages” that highlight the most cited and discussed passages of your case, “summaries from subsequent cases” showing how your case fits into a legal argument, and “insights from experts” commentary from litigators and/or law professors.

Additional features are available for a fee. Casetext also offers CARA, a subscription-based research tool that uses machine learning and AI to assist with your legal research. For example, paying users can upload briefs, memos, and other legal documents, and CARA will find relevant cases, statutes, and regulations for you.