Your law school passwords for LEXIS and WESTLAW must only be used for educational purposes directly related to coursework at the law school. Other use may be a violation of the Student Disciplinary Code and a breach of our contracts with LEXIS and WESTLAW. Using LEXIS or WESTLAW to do research in a paid position as a law clerk, intern, or clinician working for a firm, governmental entity or a nonprofit organization would violate the Student Disciplinary Code. Also, you are not permitted to conduct legal research on LEXIS and WESTLAW for friends and family.
In addition to sanctions by the School of Law, a contract violation can result in having to pay the vendors for the services misused. Repayment will be at commercial rates of about $2.00 – $5.00 per minute. Moreover, violators are likely to lose their privileges to use LEXIS and WESTLAW as students. A pattern of violations at our school could result in the vendors canceling our contracts, which would have a devastating impact on all students and faculty.
For a copy of Westlaw’s and LexisNexis’ policy concerning academic passwords follow the links on the Password Use web page.
Don’t Forget Casemaker
As an alternative to using Lexis or Westlaw, you may use Casemaker, the database available from the Ohio State Bar Association. All Ohio law students may join the Ohio State Bar Association for free and your free membership includes access to Casemaker. Casemaker has no academic password restrictions so you can use it to conduct research for your summer jobs.
Questions?
Any question concerning what is proper or improper use of LEXIS or WESTLAW should be directed to Ms. Lenart or Mr. Richert.
Ms. Lenart, Assistant Law Librarian for Reference Services
330-972-6357