Whether you are a novice researcher, or an experienced genealogist or historian, New England Court Records by Diane Rapaport will help you to research court records with confidence! This 488-page book shows you how to locate, read, and utilize court records. It contains clear explanations of legal terms, illustrations from real cases, and step-by-step research examples.
Part 1: Understanding the Basics: Provides an overview of the American legal system and the courts of the New England states in particular. Describes various types of court records available and logical places to find them.
Part 2: Getting Specific, State by State: Offers court-history time lines and describes which records can be found for every court in each New England state.
Part 3: Sampling the Sources: Uses colorful examples to show how court records can reveal the flavor of a period as well as factual information.
Appendix: Provides contact information for courts, archives, law libraries, and publishers, a legal glossary, and recommendations for further reading. This guide is an indispensable resource for researchers of New England history. With its comprehensive detail and meticulous organization, Diane Rapaport’s publication saves time, serves as both a reference and training tool, and uncovers the fascinating stories hidden in court records.
Price: $15, plus shipping and handling to U.S. addresses.