Frequently Asked Legal Research Questions

How do I find the commencement date for an SI?

Commencement information is clearly stated on the first page of the SI, below the title.

Free web sources

	OPSI - www.opsi.gov.uk
	UK Statute Law Database - www.statutelaw.gov.uk

Hard copy sources

Halsbury's Statutory Instruments - the summary gives the commencement date.

Subscription-based databases

	Lawtel Statutory Instrument database - gives commencement dates of SIs from 1984 onwards.
	LexisNexis Professional - the notes accompanying the text give details of commencement.
	LNB Legislation Direct - commencement information is given with the text of the SI.
	Westlaw - in force dates are stated.

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