CJS®
The abbreviation for Corpus Juris Secundum, which is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the principles of American law.
Corpus Juris Secundum (CJS) serves as an
important research tool that enables a user to
locate statements and reported decisions on
points of law in which he or she is interested. It
is a multivolume set that alphabetically arranges
broad topics of law, such as contracts, PRODUCT
LIABILITY and SECURED TRANSACTIONS. Preceding
the text of each topic or title is a detailed
sectional analysis that demonstrates a logical
development of the principles of the title. The
analysis permits a researcher to obtain a skeletal
overview of the title and provides easy access to
the desired area. Within each section, a more
detailed analysis of subsections is provided
when necessary to elucidate the finer points of a
particular principle. A concise summary of the
law discussed within the section is set out in
heavy black print and is referred to as black letter
law. This feature, which introduces the text of a section, allows a researcher to determine
quickly whether the text explains the RULE OF LAW that is desired. Immediately following the statements of black letter law are the library references, which refer the researcher to the relevant key number of the West Digest System, thereby providing access to all of the related cases.
The main body of text discusses the general
principles of the title. It is supported by footnotes
that contain citations to relevant decisions
that are reported in the various digests and
reporters. A brief statement of the case is sometimes
included in the footnote.
Each volume of CJS contains an index to the
titles found within it. The entire set has a general
index that facilitates location of the desired
point of law. Each of the volumes is kept current
through the use of annual pocket parts that
include all relevant new cases and changes in
statutes that affect the title. Volumes undergo
complete revision periodically when substantial
changes and developments in the law warrant
the reorganization of the title.
CJS is one of two major legal encyclopedias
with a national focus. The other is American
Jurisprudence, which began publication in 1936
and is now in its second series. Although the two
were competitors of sorts for a number of years,
both are now published by the same company,
the West Group. CJS and American Jurisprudence
2d are both available in electronic format on
WESTLAW, the online legal-research database.
