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Introductory Guide for First Year Students

This guide will help new law students get started with Law School and become more familiar with the Law Library.

Activating Your Password

Each GSU College of Law student will receive a password packet during orientation. This packet will include activation instructions for Lexis, Westlaw, and CALI.  It should arrive via email from Patrick Parsons with a subject line "GSU Law Library Orientation: Lexis+, Westlaw Edge, & CALI Passwords"  if you need to search for them.  Please make sure to check your junk email folder. 

Password Activation FAQ

Q. I never got a password packet, or I lost the packet email even though my personal librarian told me not to.

A. Email Patrick parsons at pparsons@gsu.edu. He's nice and will help you.

Q: I forgot my password to Lexis, Westlaw, CALI!

A: Use the system "forgot password" function where you would typically log in. No one in the library can reset passwords.

Q: How do I use TWEN?  Where do I get a TWEN password?

A: TWEN is part of Westlaw. Once you activate Westlaw, you can access TWEN (and Westlaw) through http://www.lawschool.tr.com.

Q: Where do I get more information about the ALERT program?

A:  See the Student Services tab in this guide or visit the ALERT page at https://lawlibrary.gsu.edu/services/alert-program/.

Introduction to Lexis and Westlaw

Lexis and Westlaw are two high-end legal research databases used by legal professionals across the world.  You will gain experience using both of these systems throughout your first-year Research Methods in Law course.  Unlike other databases provided by the University and Law Libraries, you'll have your own unique accounts and passwords for these systems.  Make sure to activate your passwords as soon as possible after receiving your activation instructions via email during orientation.

Introduction to CALI

CALI.org is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to leverage technology to increase the efficacy of legal instruction. For your purposes, the main benefit is that they crowdsource lessons from law professors across the country and make them available through an interactive format. When you explore CALI, you will discover that there are over 1,000 CALI Lessons on almost any law school-related topic. View the video below for more information.  

CALI activation codes will be emailed to you in your law library orientation packet. Contact pparsons@gsu.edu if you need the activation code at a later time.  

Disclaimer: The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the State of Georgia, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Georgia State University College of Law and the authors of the works contained on this website do not assume or accept any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currentness, or comprehensiveness of the content on this website. The content on this website does not in any manner constitute the issuance of legal advice or counsel. The information on this website is intended to provide resources that may aid the research of the topics presented, and are in no way a comprehensive list of sources one should consult on the topics presented. Please note that case law, statutory law, and administrative law may be modified and/or overturned. Additionally, because the laws vary between jurisdictions, the laws referred to herein may or may not be applicable to the law within the reader’s jurisdiction.