Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
Online Australian Dictionaries
Legal dictionaries can provide definitions of terms as well as placing terms in legal context. Often dictionary entries include references to key cases and legislation, as well as links to related concepts and keywords.
Cite dictionaries according to rule 7.6 of the AGLC.
- Encyclopaedic Australian Legal DictionaryThe Encyclopaedic Australian Legal Dictionary contains over 25,000 definitions, presented in an Australian context and are supported by Australian legislative and judicial authority, wherever it exists. The definitions cover every subject area of law.
- Australian Legal Words and PhrasesThis work provides a comprehensive listing of words and phrases which have either been defined in legislation or judicially interpreted. It provides details of where the word or phrase has been defined and often the context in which the term is defined. Over 100,000 words and phrases from Australian case law and legislation are listed.
- Australian Online Law Dictionary (Oxford)The Australian Law Dictionary provides clear definitions Australian legal terms with a focus on the Priestly 11, providing detailed in-text cross references
Standard dictionaries
- Macquarie DictionaryAGLC Rule 1.9.1 notes that spelling should comply with the latest edition of the Macquarie Dictionary.
- Oxford English DictionaryWhere a word is not included in the Macquarie Dictionary, AGLC rule 1.9.1 provides that spelling should conform with the Oxford English Dictionary.
- Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English UsageAGLC Rule 1.9.2 notes that grammar should generally be guided by the latest edition of Fowlers.
Legal Encyclopedias
Legal encyclopedias provide a statement of the law of Australia organised by subject area, covering all Australian jurisdictions. Encyclopedia entries include supporting references to cases and legislation.
Always check the "last updated" date of encyclopedias and ensure that any references to cases or legislation are still accurate and in force.
Cite legal encyclopedias according to rule 7.7 of the AGLC.
There are two major legal encyclopedias, published by the two main Australian legal publishers. Confusingly, they have very similar names.
Halsbury's Laws of Australia
Published by Lexis, Halsbury's Laws of Australia can be browsed via the table of contents or search by keyword.
- Halsbury's Laws of Australia (Table of contents)The above link goes to the Table of Contents where you can browse by topic.
- Halsbury's Laws of Australia (Keyword search form)The above link will take you to the search form for Halsbury's Law of Australia.
Laws of Australia
Laws of Australia - without 'Halsbury's' in the title - is published by Westlaw.
- Westlaw troubleshootingIf you are logging into Westlaw Classic AU for the first time, please see the instructions at this link.
It is always worth searching both Halsbury's and Laws of Australia to ensure full coverage of a topic.