Research Databases

Subscription Databases The Hastings Law Library subscribes to a number of commercial databases, several of which are available via the WWW to Hastings students and faculty. To access these databases you must either be using a computer connected to the Hastings network or have the appropriate user ID and password. Information concerning passwords and ID numbers for students and faculty is available at the Reference Desk:(415)565-4751.

The California Ballot Propositions Database is a comprehensive, searchable source of information on California ballot propositions from 1911 to the present. The database contains the full text of the propositions, accompanying material contained in the ballot pamphlets, related legal and legislative history, and digital images of the ballot pamphlets. The database was made possible in part by a grant from the LSTA program. PDF images of pamphlets. (Images of individual ballot measures and the text of more recent ballot measures are scheduled to load this summer)

The California Ballot Initiatives Database (currently in Beta testing) is a comprehensive, searchable source of information on California ballot initiatives from 1912 to the present. The database contains the full text of the initiatives, accompanying material relating to their filing & qualification, related legal and legislative history, and digital images of pertinent documents. The database was made possible in part by a grant from the LSTA program. (The text of more recent ballot measures are scheduled to load this summer)

California Hearings and Reports Since 1973, the Hastings Law Library has been a partial depository for California documents. As part of the depository program, the Library receives all legislative hearings and reports that are transcribed and distributed. The Library is active in acquiring from state agencies, any reports (including annual reports) which are available.

The California Hearings and Reports Index currently lists California legislative hearings and reports, as well as agency reports issued between 1984 and the present, which are available in the Hastings Law Library. The Index provides the following information for these materials: the name of the legislative committee or agency issuing the hearing or report; the title of the hearing or report; the date when the hearing was held and the city where the hearing was held; the publication year of the report; and any bill or chapter numbers that are referred to in the hearing or report.

The Index will eventually include the titles of all hearings and reports held by the Library retrospective to 1973.

California Supreme Court Records & Briefs Index Hastings has a collection of bound volumes containing Records and Briefs for the California Supreme Court for the period 1906 thru 1978. This index may be used to locate REPORTED cases that are contained in this collection. UNREPORTED cases that are in this collection may be located using the large index books located at the Reference Desk, provided that the docket number is known. Hastings also has Records and Briefs on microfiche for the period 1953-1964; 1969 to date. These are arranged by reporter cite and are not included in this index.