Get the exact version of a statute from a specific date in the past.
Board a virtual time machine to see how a statute has evolved.
When a legal issue arises, it's not the current code that matters. What was the law when your client's offense, transaction, injury, or other legal matter took place? Statutes are constantly amended, revised, overruled, and superseded, making it difficult to track down an exact historical version. For instant answers, use PastStat Locator, a fast, reliable way to see how a statute existed on a particular date and how it has evolved.
Track renumbered statutes and look forward in time, too.
PastStat Locator shows you how your statute has changed – and what code section took its place. PastStat Locator will also tell you when a statute or amendment is due to take effect. Similarly, it will tell you the date it is due to lapse.
Legislative history is available for nine jurisdictions.
A unique collection of legislative history is available for each state.
Content varies by state and may include:
- Statutes, slip laws, and session laws
- Bill summaries and full texts, amendments and versions
- Committee testimony and floor consideration
- Bill tracking through the legislative process
- Legislative journals and reports
- Governor's messages about signing and vetoing
- Bill analysis
Take a Closer Look
View a demo »
This self-guided tour lets you explore StatutesPlus, PastStat Locator, 50 State Surveys, and State Legislative History Libraries on Westlaw.
To skip ahead, click the Navigation link in the upper left corner of the video screen.
Product Support
Get a user guide »
This quick reference shows how to retrieve statutes in four easy ways: find by citation, using an index, using the Table of Contents service,
and using field restrictions.