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Reference Books

Why use a reference book?

Reference books such as encyclopedias and dictionaries provide you with background information on a wide-ranging selection of topics. The entries found within these books serve as good starting points for clarification on specific concepts, give information on important people and often point you toward more in-depth sources.

Research Tip! The titles listed on the right are just a small sample of library enclyclopedias. Consider your research topic first and then look for an encyclopedia that is close to that subject.

Supreme Court

Landmark Supreme Court Cases by Roy M. Mersky; Jane O'Connell; Richard A. Leiter
Call Number: Reference KF8742.H37 2012 (Entrance Level)
3 volume set discusses the most influential decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court

Reference Resources

Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window
The reference books listed below are all from the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice
Publication Date: 2001-10-15
A complete revision of the 1982 edition, the Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice deals with not only law but also sociology, psychology, history and economics.
Encyclopedia of Criminological Theory by Pamela Wilcox (Editor); Francis T. Cullen (Editor)
Publication Date: 2010-09-23
This reference is for anyone interested in the roots of contemporary criminological theory. Drawing together a team of international scholars, it examines the global landscape of all the key theories and the theorists behind them, presenting them in a context needed to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
World of Forensic Science
ISBN: 1414402945
Publication Date: 2005-08-26
A comprehensive guide to the legal, social and ethical issues involved in forensic science, this text covers the techniques and principles of biology, chemistry, law, medicine, physics, geology and psychology, as well as looking at the multidisciplinary approach of examining crime scenes and evidence.