Download a two-page guide (contains screenshots) about how to find and use cases in Westlaw (PDF).
Click on Cases in the dark blue bar at the top of any page in Westlaw.
You can search for cases by the names of the parties, citation (e.g. [1967] 1 WLR 716), or just put your topic of interest in the Free Text box. You do not need to fill in every box.
The results list displays a list of results matching your query. Each result includes the case name, subject, keywords and tells you where the case has been reported
You can see an abstract and the history of each case by clicking on the Case Analysis link at the bottom of each result
Westlaw can also provide you with the full text of law report. If a law report is available for the cases in your results list, a link will be included underneath bottom each result.
Down the right hand side of any case, you will be able to download a PDF of the case, print it, or save it to your personal Westlaw folder. You can also click on the alarm bell icon to create an alert. This means if something significant happens with this case in the future, Westlaw will email you and let you know.
English cases are published in law reports and there are many different series of law reports. Westlaw contain a wide variety of law reports but does not contain all law reports. Have a look at the library's case law information to learn more about law reports and case law.
If you have a long or complicated case name, try just using a couple of keywords from your reference. Alternatively you can search for the citation e.g. [1981] 1 WLR 711.