One of seven regional reporters of the National Reporter System that contains every published decision from Iowa, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, from 1883 to date. Example:

A citation to the same case in a different reporter. For example, when citing to North Carolina Reports, provide a parallel citation to the South Eastern Reporter.

Literally, by the court. Usually a short opinion written on behalf of the majority of the court. It may be accompanied by a concurring or dissenting opinion.

A publication which is continually produced according to a regular schedule. Law reviews,  bar journals, magazines, and newspapers are types of periodicals.

Authority that is not binding on a court, although the court may choose to  follow it.

A formal, written application to a court requesting judicial action on a certain matter.

The person presenting a petition to a court, officer, or legislative body; the one who starts an equity proceeding or the one who takes an appeal from a judgment.

The person who brings a lawsuit against another.

A formal document in which a party to a legal proceeding sets forth or responds to allegations, claims, denials or defenses. The plaintiff’s complaint or declaration is followed by the  defendant’s answer; subsequent papers may be filed as needed.

A type of supplement that is inserted into a pocket in the back of a bound volume.

A table listing popular names by which some cases and statutes have become known, and identifying for each popular name the official name and citation of the case or statute.

Constitutions, statutes, administrative regulations issued pursuant to enabling legislation, and case law. Primary authority may be either mandatory or persuasive. All other legal  writings are secondary authority and are never binding on courts.