What is FCIL?
Foreign law is the law of a foreign government
Comparative law involves comparing legal traditions
International is the law between governments (public) and individuals (private)
Law
Want to learn more about FCIL Research?
International Legal Research in a Nutshell by
This Nutshell provides a basic introduction to international and foreign legal research for the non-specialist. It offers guidance through the unfamiliar pathways of research using international and non-US legal materials and demystifies the world of treaties and international case law. Since it's aimed at the non-specialist, it provides straight-forward background information on the United Nations and the European Union and includes guidance using the documents and legal materials of these institutions. There are extensive links to the rich world of Web resources, but it also describes print research tools that remain important in this field. It also sets out a road map for approaching a research problem involving international, foreign and comparative law. Finally, there is information on keeping current on new information and resources as well as tips for how to do handle source collection and cite-checking an international law journal article. Additional teaching materials are available for this title, and include online links to research sources noted in the book: Appendix A: Comprehensive List of Sources Appendix B: Websites Containing National Law Appendix C: Web Treaty Collections Appendix D: Planning Your Research and Organizational Tools
While approaching FCIL research will lead you to some new resources, you will be able to recycle many of your US legal research skills. Just like with US legal research, get off and running using FCIL secondary sources which
While you are looking at FCIL secondary sources, you may find citations which are unfamiliar and may not be in the Bluebook. To decode the citations, try:
Public International Law in a Nutshell by
This Sixth Edition of Public International Law in a Nutshell is a concise yet accurate summary of the field of public international law, covering its basic sources, actors, and procedures, and key subject matter areas, such as human rights, the law of the sea, international environmental law, the law of war, and U.S. foreign relations law. This edition is fully updated to include recent treaties, institutions, and Supreme Court decisions. The book is intended to be helpful for students, scholars, and practitioners alike.
