Preemption Checking for SJD's and LLM's

Doing a "preemption check" is the process of making sure no one has already written about your topic.  It involves breadth with balanced depth.  The types of databases/resources you would use might vary based on your topic. You want to make sure that your thesis is original.  Even if there is literature on your topic, you might be able to develop a unique perspective or thesis.  You should be thinking about the nature of your topic as you consider resources to check (e.g. is it interdisciplinary, involve foreign law, etc.)?  

Because potential resources tend to vary widely by topic/jurisdiction, you are highly encouraged to consult with a research librarian.  SJD's should check to see if they have a librarian liaison.  LLM's doing long papers should have a librarian assigned to their writing groups.  LLM's writing short papers may e-mail research@law.harvard.edu.

We might have additional e-book collections depending on your topic.

If you are researching an area of foreign law, you might want to go beyond Hollis and Worldcat to identify libraries and bibliographic sources that might be a more comprehensive reflection of literature in your country.  You might want to look at any national or regional library catalogs, major academic institutions, Amazon sites and booksellers/vendors for the country.

It is important to look for working papers that have not yet been published.  While some working papers are indexed by some of the same databases you would use to find articles generally, you should also check some additional sources. 

It is important to look for working papers that have not yet been published.  While some working papers are indexed by some of the same databases you would use to find articles generally, you should also check some additional sources. 

SJD's should check to see if they have a librarian liaison.  LLM's doing long papers should have a librarian assigned to their writing groups.  LLM's writing short papers may e-mail research@law.harvard.edu.

  Ask Us! Submit a question or search our knowledge base.

Chat with us! Chat  with a librarian.

Email: research@law.harvard.edu

 Contact Historical & Special Collections at specialc@law.harvard.edu

 Meet with Us  Schedule an online consult with a Librarian

Hours  Library Hours

Classes View Training Calendar or Request an Insta-Class

 Text Ask a Librarian, 617-702-2728