Before you use a print digest, it's best to already have one or more key numbers of interest. There are many ways to identify useful key numbers. If you already have a good case on your topic, simply find the case in a West reporter (or on Westlaw) and look at the headnotes to find the appropriate key number(s).
If you don't already have a good case, there are numerous methods of finding one. Secondary sources, annotated codes, and terms & connectors searching can be helpful strategies for finding a leading case on a topic. Once you have found a case, look at the case in a West reporter (or on Westlaw) to find the relevant key number(s). Now you're ready for step two.
Another method is to use the Descriptive-Word Index (usually the last few volumes of the print digest set) to locate a key number. Many researchers find the digest's index difficult to use because the terms used in the index may not be the terms you would use to describe your issue. Most indices have cross-references to lead you to the right index terms for your topic. You might have to search synonyms to find the appropriate index term.
The second step is usually straightforward: choose the best digest for your needs. The following lists major digests and the jurisdictions or reporters they cover. Digests are located near their reporter.
| Supreme Court Digest | ||
| United States Supreme Court Digest | Supreme Court, 1754 - present | |
| Federal Courts Digests | ||
| Federal Digest (red) | Federal (Supreme Court Reporter, Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement), pre-1939 | |
| Modern Federal Practice Digest (green) | Federal (Supreme Court Reporter, Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement), 1940 - 1960 | |
| Federal Practice Digest 2d (blue) | Federal (Supreme Court Reporter, Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement), 1961 - 1975 | |
| Federal Practice Digest 3d (red) | Federal (Supreme Court Reporter, Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement), 1975 - 1987 | |
| Federal Practice Digest 4th (blue) | Federal (Supreme Court Reporter, Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement), 1983 - present | |
| Federal Practice Digest 5th (red) | Federal (Supreme Court Reporter, Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement), 2003 - present | |
| Regional Digests | ||
| Atlantic Digest | 1st and 2d series, see volumes for dates: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, NH, NJ, PA, RI, VT | No longer updated by the Law Library. |
| North Eastern Digest | No longer published, see volumes for dates: IL, IN, MA, NY, OH | No longer published. |
| North Western Digest | 1st and 2d series, see volumes for dates: IA, MI, MN, NE, MD, SD, WI | No longer updated by the Law Library. |
| Pacific Digest | Four series, see volumes for dates: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, MT, NV, NM, OK, OR, UT, WA, WY | No longer updated by the Law Library. |
| South Eastern Digest | 1st and 2d series, see volumes for dates: GA, NC, SC, VA, WV | No longer updated by the Law Library. |
| Southern Digest | No longer published, see volumes for dates: AL, FL, LA, MS | No longer published. |
| State Digests | ||
| West's District of Columbia Digest | 1st and 2d series | |
| West's Maryland Digest | 1st and 2d series | |
| Virginia and West Virginia Digest | ||
| All Jurisdictions | ||
| American Digest | 1658 - present (Century Edition, 1st Decennial - 11th Decennial) | Also known as the Decennial Digest. Law. No longer updated by the Law Library. |
Step three is simply to find your print digest, select the volume containing your topic, find your key number, and read the headnotes listed to find useful cases (or retrieve headnotes with your key numbers on Westlaw).
It is important never to cite a case directly from the print digest because the headnote contains only limited information about the case. Instead, note the citations of interest. Then use the citations to find and read the opinions in full. Print digests are updated by pocket parts and paper supplements, so don't forget to check those for the newest cases.