Build stronger legal arguments by examining a statute's true intent.
Learn about legislative intent and other critical facts from one source.
No matter how carefully a statute is worded, its text simply cannot convey all the political negotiations, revisions, and debate that went into its creation. Legislative history databases on Westlaw fill these critical gaps, saving you hours of research time by gathering information about a statute's intent, adoption, amendment, and other significant facts into one place.
Find out:
- What was said, pro and con, about a bill
- What was added, omitted, and modified from the time the bill was proposed, and why
- Which arguments proved decisive and are, therefore, important as you interpret the law
Choose from a unique collection of legislative history for select states.
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 »
User guides are available for Westlaw state and federal statute and regulation databases, Regulations Suite, RegulationsPlus, 50 State Surveys, Graphical Statutes, and more.