Alerts
Do you want to receive an alert every time a specific case is cited? Every time that legislation is amended? Or, every time that specific keywords appear in a set of results? It's possible to set up these alerts in legal databases, allowing you to know when there has been a change in the law.
The following guides describe how to set up and maintain alerts in legal databases. In general, look for a bell, clock, or other alert symbol, which you can click to set up email notifications. Setting up alerts requires a personal account sign in.
CanLII
For CanLII there are two options for alerts:
- Subscribe to CanLII's RSS feeds using an RSS reader. See popular options for choosing a reader.
- Subscribe using Lexbox, a software that is free with limitations. See this how to guide.
Access to CanLII is publicly available.
Lexis
Alerts are available through Lexis+, which requires a password login - see Access to Westlaw and Lexis for more detail.
A guide and short video describe the process of creating alerts.
Westlaw
Alerts are available through Westlaw Edge, which requires a password login - see Access to Westlaw and Lexis for more detail.
This guide and short video describe the process of creating alerts.
HeinOnline SmartCILP
The database HeinOnline includes the Current Index to Legal Periodicals (CILP) which can be used to set up alerts for new publications by topic headings, subject headings, and/or journal title. For instance, one could subscribe to alerts on the topic of "Water Law" or all new articles from the Toronto Metropolitan University Law Review. HeinOnline provides a list of topic and subject headings and a guide to creating your SmartCILP profile. Access to HeinOnline and is available for all TMU students, faculty, and staff.
