Frequently Asked Questions: Researching EU Law

This guide aims to answer questions frequently asked of the staff at the Inner Temple Library. The sources suggested are not intended to be exhaustive. Rather they are sources that the staff have found to be most useful.  The sources include free web-based sources, hard copy materials and subscription-based databases.  Details of the coverage of the subscription-based databases and other web sites can be found at the end of this guide.

The guide includes information on the holdings of the Inns of Court Libraries which are open to members of the Inns of Court only. Members of the public can use the collections at designated European Documentation Centres. These provide access to the publications and documents of the EU. There are 43 EDCs in the UK - for a current list and to find an EDC near you please see: www.europe.org.uk/infolinks/-/ctid/5/

In London EDCs are located at the British Library, the library at the LSE, Queen Mary College and London Metropolitan University (North Campus). It is always advisable to contact the libraries before you visit to check that they hold the material you need.