What is the best source to obtain a general overview of the law?

A legal encyclopedia serves as a comprehensive resource that presents a general overview of various areas of law in a structured and accessible manner. These encyclopedias provide summaries of legal principles, relevant statutes, regulations, and case law, often arranged by topic. This organization allows users, especially those new to a particular legal issue, to gain a foundational understanding without the need to dive into more complex legal texts or case law. Legal encyclopedias are designed to be user-friendly and often include citations to primary sources and secondary literature, making them a valuable starting point for legal research.

While law textbooks may cover particular subjects in depth, they are typically more focused and less comprehensive than encyclopedias. Online legal databases offer extensive resources but may require more skill to navigate effectively for a general overview. Case law repositories, on the other hand, are primarily aimed at providing access to judicial opinions and may not offer the foundational summaries or categorizations that help a researcher gain an initial understanding of legal concepts. Therefore, legal encyclopedias are the most effective source for obtaining a general overview of the law.