Research in the history of crime and punishment requires the use of a variety of sources. Very often, it is necessary to consult sources beyond traditional cases and statutes. For this purpose, there are many finding aids, which can be used to locate pertinent primary materials. Also useful are topical treatises, bibliographies, historical compilations and online Internet sites devoted to the history of a particular subject. These secondary sources often also provide citations to primary and additional secondary sources. There are many, many more sources of information on this topic than can be listed here, so this guide gives only an overview of print, micro-media and some Internet resources available to facilitate research in the history crime and punishment at the Georgetown University Law Center. The designation SPECL indicates the material is in Special Collections, and must be used there. INTL indicates the material is in the Wolff collection. MEDIA indicates the material is in microfilm or microfiche and is located on the first floor of Williams Library. All others are located in the Williams Library.
There are a wide variety of libraries available for research in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. For more information about libraries local to Georgetown University, see our Guide to D.C. Area Libraries.
There are now many sources on legal history available on the Internet. A separate Guide to Legal History Databases is available on those Internet resources best to use for legal research in a specific area. As the Internet changes constantly, other sources may become available, so it is always a good idea to browse the Internet on your own, through search engines, as well as the use the sources listed below. See the Special Collections Librarian for more information.
If you have questions about finding or using any of the materials described in this guide, or you need more in-depth assistance in your research, please call, email, or visit the Special Collections & Archives Department located at the west end of the Georgetown Law Library Reading Room. A Special Collections librarian will be able to assist you identifying and locating the materials you need for your research projects.
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