The State Law Library is created by KRS 27A.200 enacted Acts 1976 ch. 61 §8 as a support service for the Court of Justice. It is located on the second floor of the State Capitol and houses the central collection of legal research materials for state government. The primary function of the State Law Library is to provide research and reference assistance to the Court of Justice and to provide legal research tools for the judicial offices across the state.
The State Law Library is also open for the use of other state government agencies, attorneys and the public. The staff can provide reference assistance and instruction in the use of the research tools but is statutorily prohibited from giving legal advice to the public.
Prisoner Requests: Statement of Policy:
The State Law Library is a professional research library. It has a small staff and is funded by the General Assembly as a support service for the Court of Justice (judiciary). It is not a public library in the usual sense of a library that renders services to the public, and is in no way associated with the Bureau of Corrections.
For these reasons, the State Law Library does not provide services to prisoners.
Where is the library located??
State Capitol, 700 Capital Ave. Suite 200, Frankfort, KY 40601-3489. Phone: (502) 564-4848. Fax: (502) 564-5041. Directions to the Capitol
Is the library open to the public?
Yes. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except state government holidays.
Can books be checked out?
Except for reference books in the KY collection, most books may be checked out for a period of two weeks. All material checked out by non-Court of Justice personnel is subject to immediate recall by law library staff.
What does the library charge for legal research?
Law Library staff provide only reference assistance to the public. We are statutorily prohibited from giving legal advice to the public. Thus, we are able to help you locate legal material, but we cannot interpret or offer an opinion.
Where do I find very old articles of incorporation?
Prior to 1893, articles of incorporation were by act of the General Assembly. The library has a complete set of the acts of the General Assembly back to 1792. However, for articles of incorporation dated 1893 or later, contact the Secretary of State's Office at (502) 564-7330.
Does the library have forms such as divorce, wills, deeds, power of attorney, etc.?
Forms are available in several commercially published volumes. These are not fill-in-the blank forms, but are sample forms only. These can be faxed or mailed. Mailed copies are 10 cents per page plus postage. Faxed copies are $1.00 per page.
Does the library have the laws of Kentucky?
The Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) in both print and CD ROM are available in the library. They are also available on the internet at: http:www.lrc.state.ky.us
Does the library have the Federal laws?
The U.S. Code in both print and on CD ROM is available in the library. The Code is also available on the internet at: http:www.uky.edu/Law/library/research.
Does the library have the old Kentucky laws?
Yes. Old volumes of the Kentucky laws are available for use in the library only. These items may not be checked out of the library.
Can the library tell me when a statute was enacted?
Usually. The library has a complete run of superseded statute volumes.
Does the library have Kentucky cases?
The library has published cases dating back to 1785. Cases may be faxed or mailed. Mailed copies are 10 cents per page plus postage. Faxed copies are $1.00 per page.
Does the library have access to Lexis or Westlaw?
Yes, but this service may be accessed only by Court of Justice personnel and officials.
Does the library have the old Kentucky Codes of Practice?
Yes, we have copies of superseded code volumes but these codes were not published regularly.
How do I find out why a Kentucky statute was enacted?
Ky does not have a published legislative history. Minutes of committee meetings, if available, would have to be requested through the Legislative Research Commission. (502) 564-8100.
How do I find out why a U.S. statute was enacted?
Legislative histories of Federal Public Laws are published in the U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News. This resource is available in the library.
Does the library have names and phone numbers for attorneys in other states?
Yes. The library has access to the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
Does the library have a copy of the U.S. Constitution?
Yes. It is found in volume one of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
Does the library have a copy of the Kentucky Constitution?
Yes. All four KY Constitutions (1792, 1799, 1850 and 1891), Magna Charta, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Compact with Virginia and Act Admitting Kentucky into the Union can be found in volume one of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.