Digests: West Key Number System
The West digest system, a powerful case-finding tool across jurisdictions, is accessible via Westlaw. The most common way to access key numbers is from the headnotes of a case; but you can also browse and search the key number system from the Tools tab: Tools > West Key Number System.
Tools & Resources
When you're looking at a particular document or browsing a particular database in Westlaw, you will often see a right-hand column titled Tools & Resources, listing finding aids and secondary sources to further your research. This might include the index to the document you're browsing, or other related secondary sources.
Browsing
In addition to running keyword searches to begin your research, Westlaw offers several browsing options, broken down by content type, federal materials, state materials, topics, and other West tools. This browsing capability is an excellent way to get a feel for what Westlaw has to offer.
Westlaw Next is designed so that you can run any search simply from the main search bar and filter your results afterwards (by content type, jurisdiction, date, etc.). The only pre-search filter available is jurisdiction, from the drop-down menu to the right of the search bar. Within that main search bar, you can run a keyword search, search by citation, search for a specific resource, or even search using a specific Westlaw Classic database.
Westlaw Next also gives you the option to conduct an advanced search by clicking the 'advanced' link to the right of the search button. This allows you greater control over how your search will be conducted. For instance, you can require that your search results contain all of your search terms, any of your search terms, or an exact phrase. You can also ensure that certain terms are excluded from your search results. In addition, the Advanced Search allows you to restrict results by date and search by citation, name, or title.
Two things to note here: