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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