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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public check out books?
No. The library’s reference collection may be checked out only by members of the state judicial system.

Does the library charge for legal research?
The library staff provides reference assistance to the public and there is no charge for this service. The staff is statutorily prohibited from giving legal advice to the public. They can help the public locate legal material but cannot interpret information or offer an opinion.

Where do I find old articles of incorporation?
Prior to 1893, articles of incorporation were by act of the Kentucky 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 Kentucky Secretary of State at 502-564-3490 or visit their website.

Does the library provide legal forms for 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 upon request.

Does the library have the laws of Kentucky?
The Kentucky Revised Statutes are available in the library. They are also available at LRC's website. External Link

Does the library have the federal laws?
The U.S. Code is available in the library. The U.S. Code is also available online. External Link

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.

Does the library have Kentucky cases?
The library has published cases dating back to 1785. Cases may be faxed or mailed upon request.

Does the library provide access to electronic resources?
The library has three patron terminals with free access to Westlaw, HeinOnline Law Journal Library and Shepard’s Citations Service.

Does the library have the old Kentucky Codes of Practice?
Yes. The library has copies of superseded code volumes but these codes were not published regularly.

Can the library tell me when a statute was enacted?
Usually. The library has a complete run of superseded statute volumes.

How do I find out why a Kentucky statute was enacted?
Kentucky does not have a published legislative history. Minutes of committee meetings, if available, may be requested through the Legislative Research Commission at 502-564-8100 or visit their website. External Link

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 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. The library has copies of the four Kentucky Constitutions (1792, 1799, 1850 and 1891).

What types of historical documents does the library house?
The Magna Charta, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Compact with Virginia and the Act Admitting Kentucky into the Union can be found in Volume One of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

 

Last Updated 5/19/2009
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