The United States court system is like a series of huge, overlapping webs. Your reading gives you some information about the different levels and kinds of court. Sometimes figuring this out can be messy.

This week we are going to dip our feet into the world of the law by using a great research tool, Nexis Uni, to find a case or article. We will also try out the Bluebook citation format.

Nexis Uni can be found in the APUS Library in the databases. You should not have to log in.

There are links and other information about the Bluebook in this week's Content area. Here is a popular website for getting help with citations:https://www.law.cornell.edu/citation/ Two important things to remember about Bluebook: (a) identify authors by first name then last name, and (b) every citation needs a date. Also, please know that Bluebook doesn't use "nd".

This week, I would like you to use Nexis Uni to find a case or article about a legal issue involving an animal. In your posting, you should cite your source/s in Bluebook format. If you are already a whiz at this stuff, feel free to use footnotes. Otherwise, just put the citation at the end of your post.

Here are some things to think about and share with the class: what kind of law is used: criminal or civil? Is this a state or federal case? Where is it within the structure of the American legal system? What courts have already heard this case and where might it go next? Do you agree with the outcome? Do you think that a law need to change as a result of what you learned?