Although it is possible to formulate elaborate searches, most research needs are met by relatively simple searches.
Many searches follow the pattern of: keyword /S keyword /S keyword
Just try to keep a few things in mind as you formulate simple searches.
Westlaw Example
After thinking of some likely keywords:
If your initial search doesn't work, try some alternative terms for your keywords.
When you use Citing References or Key Numbers to find additonal cases on your topic, you sometimes need to use the Search within Results field to narrow down your documents to a narrower topic.
Any search typed into the Search within Results field is interpreted as a terms and connectors search.
Westlaw Example
You have found a useful case about statutory liability for dog bites regardless of knowledge of propensity for violence. You decide to use it to find other cases on the issue in other jurisdictions. You are specifically interested in cases about dogs on leashes.
