Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library
There is no access to justice without access to legal information
- LINKS
- Home
- About US
- Directions
- Services
- Copier & Printer
- Electronic Research
- Court Forms
- Research
- Print Collection
- Online Research
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Address:
Lee County Justice Center
1700 Monroe Street, 1st FLR
Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Information Desk
Phone: (239) 533-9195 - Fax: (239) 485-2598
- ADA Information
Business Hours
- Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Except Holidays
LOCATED AT:
LEE COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER
1700 Monroe Street, 1st Floor
Fort Myers, FL 33901
The Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library is committed to providing to the public and the legal community cost-effective and timely access to significant print and electronic legal materials generated by local, state and federal lawmakers, courts and agencies. Use our website to learn about the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library, our services, and the legal resources in our collection as well as to identify legal sites on the web that may be useful to your research.
ABOUT US
The Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library is committed to providing to the public and the legal community cost-effective and timely access to significant print and electronic legal materials generated by local, state and federal lawmakers, courts and agencies. Use our website to learn about the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library, our services, and the legal resources in our collection as well as to identify legal sites on the web that may be useful to your research.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE JUDGE LYNN GERALD LAW LIBRARY
In 1970, the Twentieth Judicial Circuit was known as the Twelfth Circuit. It comprised Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, Sarasota, DeSoto, and Manatee Counties. In 1947, Judge Lynn Gerald took the bench as one of the two Circuit Judges and was the youngest Circuit Judge in the State of Florida. Judge Lynn Gerald was concerned that judges and attorneys of Lee County and surrounding areas had no access to a library. Judge Gerald donated his old library books and was instrumental in getting law firms to donate their old law to the library. Initially, two major law firms, Henderson Franklin and Shepherd and Woolslair, contributed books to the library.
Chapter 59-142, of the Laws of Florida, gave the authority for the establishment and maintenance of a county law library. There is a Board of Trustees that is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the law library.
The first three members to be appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Law Library were John Shepherd, Esq., Julian Clarkson, Esq., and the Honorable Judge Lynn Gerald. The first law librarian was Virginia Pickering, who also was Judge Lynn Gerald’s Judicial Assistant. Ms. Pickering served as the first law librarian until she retired.
Judge Lynn Gerald served the judiciary from 1947 to 1972. He dedicated 25 years of service to the judiciary. In honor of his loyal service, a resolution was passed on July 5, 1972 to have the Lee County Law Library renamed the Lynn Gerald Law Library. Today, the library has over 10,000 volumes of books and is the largest law library in Southwest Florida.
Currently, the Board of Trustees of the Law Library has one member, Guichard St. Surin, Esq. The law librarian is Sharon Heerah.
The Lynn Gerald Law Library has undergone renovations and improvements and has databases to help the community research any area of law. Come in and find out what is available. We welcome all visitors. Hope to see you soon!
SERVICES
Staff is available to direct you to materials in the collection which will assist you with your legal questions. Staff cannot locate statutes or case law for patrons, nor, can they provide direction to online and print sources. Limited instruction is provided on how to use the various resources available in the law library and at our public access computers. Similarly, the answers to telephone inquiries must be limited to the contents of the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library collection and other incidental matters.
Work and reading areas are provided for your use. The current collection includes over 10,000 books.
LIBRARY STAFF CAN
- Explain how to use legal research tools
- Direct you to sources of law, including statutes and cases
- Direct you to books containing forms and court rules
LIBRARY STAFF CANNOT
- Answer legal questions
- Recommend legal actions or forms
- Assist in the completion of forms
- Perform legal research
- Interpret the law nor recommend attorneys to assist you since this would constitute the unauthorized practice of law.
Our print collection is reference only - checkout is not available.
COPIER & PRINTER
The Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library has one coin-operated copier; black/white and color copies are available. The copier may also be used to print documents from the Public Access Terminals. The copier/printer is located across from the reference desk.
CASH PAYMENT
The coin-operated copier/printer is available for your use. All copies are self-service and cost .15¢ per page (8-1/2" x 11" and 8-1/2" x 14") per F.S. 119.07(4)(a)1. Color copies cost .25¢ per page. The Jamex Payment Controller accepts nickels, dimes, quarters, and $1 bills. The law library does not provide change and is unable to accept debit or credit cards.
JAMEX STORED-VALUE COPY CARDS
In addition to cash, the photocopy machine also accepts a Jamex Stored-Value COPY CARD. A Stored-Value COPY CARD is a card-based electronic alternative to cash. It has a fixed amount of money stored on it reducing the need for cash and is used as payment for photocopies.
- Pre-paid Stored-Value COPY CARD's may be issued to attorneys
- The maximum value of each Stored-Value COPY CARD can store is $50
- Checks should to be made payable to Lee County Law Library
FAX MACHINE/SCANNER
A fax machine and scanner are not available at this time.
Pursuant to Federal Copyright Law, it is understood that library material being copied will be used for research purposes only.
ELECTRONIC RESEARCH RESOURCES
The Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library Public Access Computers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Not all resources are available electronically, please be prepared to use print resources as necessary.
COMPUTER SERVICES
- WestlawTM (a legal database) is available on five public access personal computers.
- Microsoft Word is available on one public access personal computer. Documents cannot be saved on the computer.
- One laptop study carrel is available with an electrical connection.
- The law library computer tables and chairs are reserved for patrons who are using the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library computers.
INTERNET
The Internet is available in the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library on one Public Computer.
WIRELESS
Wireless Access to the Internet is available for our users with laptop computers with wireless connections; AOC-WiFi-Guest.
Most users can simply bring their wireless-enabled laptop computer or other wireless device to the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library and turn it on. The computer will automatically recognize the wireless network. If your laptop does not have wireless built-in, you can install a WiFi-compatible network card.
You should be able to connect anywhere within the law library. Signal strength is dependent upon a variety of factors, and you may need to try several locations within the law library to get the strongest signal. The Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library cannot guarantee your equipment will work with the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library's network. Printing is not available from your wireless computer.
COURT FORMS
Court forms are designed to serve as a guide for Attorneys and pro se (self-represented) litigants to use to file documents before the Court. The library has a number of form books to find appropriate legal forms. Form books provide examples of different forms for filing before the Court. A form book is a tool used by Attorneys and self-represented litigants to aid in the filing of pleadings, motions, and other legal documents with the Court.
Legal forms approved by the Supreme Court can be found on the internet and in print. Forms are available for Landlord-Tenant Disputes, Probate, Garnishment, and Guardianship. Forms for Domestic Violence including Divorce and Paternity matters are available on the internet; www.flcourts.org. The forms are designed to make it easier to select and print the instructions and all of the forms needed for a legal action.
- Form Books are available to locate legal forms
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Family Law Forms - Florida Supreme Court approved Family Law Forms - Link to Self Help Center and Family Law Forms.
-
Expunge/Seal Application - FDLE site - documents required for expungement or sealing of records.
-
Legal Forms - General Law Practice forms.
-
Legal Form - Washburn University School of Law - Links to law forms and legal directories.
-
Legal Forms - The Law Smart Library for Legal Forms, Documents, and Videos.
-
Tax Forms - Forms and Publications of the IRS.
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- Florida State Courts
- Lee County Forms
- Florida Department of Revenue Forms
- Other State Forms
- Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms
- Other Federal Forms
RESEARCH
The Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library contains a comprehensive collection of legal materials pertaining to Florida Law and Federal Law. Self-represented (pro se) litigants will find self-help materials covering a variety of legal topics. All of the print materials are subject to budgetary constraints and could be discontinued in the future. The collection is designated as reference and does not circulate outside of the law library as all materials need to be available for research.
PRINT COLLECTION
Making a special visit to the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library to find a particular item? Contact the Librarian to ensure that the item is presently available.
RESERVE MATERIALS
Materials located at the front desk may be accessed for use inside the Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library only.
- Florida Jurisprudence Second
- A multi-volume legal encyclopedia, and various other secondary sources on the law of Florida, including self-help guides for some of the more common legal problems encountered by the public. The administrative rules promulgated by state agencies are also available.
- American Jurisprudence Second
- A multi-volume legal encyclopedia on all American law, and various other treatises and secondary sources on American law. The administrative rules promulgated by all federal agencies are also available.
- State (Florida) and Federal Statutes/Codes
- State (Florida) Session Laws
- State (Florida) and Federal Regulations
- County and Municipal Ordinances (Lee County)
- State and Federal Court Decisions /Cases
- State (Florida) and Federal Court Rules
- Legal Practice Materials
- Legal Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
- Case Digests
- Treatises
- Law Reviews and Journals
- Legal and Business Forms
ONLINE RESEARCH
The Judge Lynn Gerald Law Library has a substantial WestlawTM subscription, allowing patrons to access a wide variety of online materials. These include the statutes of all states and the federal government, case law issued by the courts of all states and the federal government, administrative regulations promulgated by administrative agencies of all states and the federal government, all law reviews published across the nation and a number of secondary sources and forms.
- WestlawTM access to:
- State and Federal primary law materials
- Keycite;
- Law review journals transactional forms and Florida Jurisprudence forms (business & pleadings and practice)
- Florida Jury Verdict Reporter
- Florida State Trial Court Orders
- Treatises and Forms Library
- Administrative Law and Regulations (includes DOAH, PERC, AG’s opinions, and PSC)
- Wi-Fi
- Available to the public; Patrons can access Wi-Fi by logging on to AOC-WiFi-Guest.
RESEARCH LINKS
Bar Associations & Legal Directories
- American Bar Association - (ABA Members, Legal Community and Public Info.).
- Florida Bar - Florida Bar Web Site (Links to additional legal resources).
- Lee County Bar Association - Lee County Bar Association Web Site
- Find a Lawyer - Locate a lawyer by area of practice or location; Link to 'ask a lawyer' and tips on hiring an attorney.
Constitution
- Constitution of the United States
- Florida Constitution (Florida Legislature)
- Florida's Constitutions: The Documentary History (Florida Constitution Revision Commission) includes the Constitutions of 1838, 1861, 1865, 1868, 1885, and 1968, with amendments
Executive
- Florida Administrative Code (Florida Department of State)
- Florida Administrative Weekly (Florida Department of State)
- A Florida Attorney Advisory Legal Opinions
- Florida Governor
- Florida Attorney General
- Florida Division of Elections
- Florida Secretary of State
Federal Courts
- U. S. Supreme Court - Official Site of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- U. S. Circuit Courts - Opinions of the U.S. Circuit Courts.
- U. S. District Courts - Local District Court rules (Some District Court links include opinions of the court).
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court - (Middle District of Florida) - Local Bankruptcy Court rules (Some links include court opinions).
- U.S. Bankruptcy Forms - Official forms for filing bankruptcy in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Federal Executive, Legislative & Administrative
- The White House - Executive Branch, Executive Orders, etc.
Judicial
- U. S. Legislative & Federal Agencies - Various State and Federal Courts, Administrative agencies, U.S. Code & C.F.R., and link to information for US Passport application.
- Code of Federal Regulation - Code of Federal Regulation Full text with access to specific field searches.
- Library of Congress - Library of Congress access to federal legislative information.
- U. S. Citizenship & Immigration Services - Citizenship & Immigration Forms, etc.
- U. S. Congress - Link to U.S. Congressional web site - access contact information for federal legislators, pending federal legislation, the congressional record, and U.S. founding documents (bill of rights, constitution, federalist papers, etc.)
Legal Sites
- Cornell University - Legal materials from all 50 states. Find a local attorney.
- Florida Bankruptcy Laws and General Information - Florida Bankruptcy overview including a list of state exemptions, a description of the bankruptcy process, and answers to frequently asked questions.
- Florida State University College of Law - Appellate Briefs filed in the Florida Supreme Court.
- Library of Congress - Law Library of Congress.
- Washburn University School of Law - State & Federal Courts; Access to International Law; various Law Libraries' catalogs & legal indexes; Law Schools, and Law Firms.
Local Links
- Florida League of Cities - Florida League of Cities, Inc.
- Lee County Clerk of Courts - Clerk of the Court for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida
- Lee County Public Library - Lee County Public Library
- Lee County Government - Lee County Government Web Site
- Florida Rural Legal Services - Legal Aid
- Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court - 20th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
- Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court Administrative Orders - Administrative Order of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Local Governments, Ordinances, & Florida Cities
- County and City Ordinances - Municipal Codes by State - Free Resources Links to online codes.
Topical Legal Forms
- Family Law Forms - Florida Supreme Court approved Family Law Forms - Link to Self Help Center and Family Law Forms.
- Expunge/Seal Application - FDLE site - documents required for expungement or sealing of records.
- Legal Forms - General Law Practice forms.
- Legal Forms
- Legal Forms - The Law Smart Library for Legal Forms, Documents, and Videos.
- Tax Forms - Forms and Publications of the IRS.
Florida Courts
- Florida Supreme Court Opinions (University of Florida College of Law)
- Florida Supreme Court Opinions (FindLaw)
- Florida Supreme Court Opinions and Briefs
- Florida's District Courts (Florida Courts)
- U.S. District Court, Middle District Court of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit Opinions
- Florida Courts
- Gavel to Gavel (The Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments Online)
- Florida Supreme Court (Law Library’s Online Catalog)
Legislative
- Florida Statutes (Florida Legislature)
- Digest of General Laws (Florida Legislature)
- Florida State Legislature - Composed of the Senate and House of Representatives
- Florida Senate Bills
- Florida House Bills
- Florida Senate Publications (Florida Senate)
- Florida House Publications (Florida Senate)
- Florida Legislature, Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
- Kid's Page (Florida Legislature)
Directories/Portals
- AllLaw.com Florida Resources
- American Law Sources On-Line
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: Florida
- FindLaw: Florida
- Georgetown University Law Library: Florida
- HG.org Worldwide Legal Directories
- LAW.com
- LexisOne: Florida
- Office of the General Council | Judicial Links
- U.S. Government Printing Office
- Thomas (Library of Congress)
- Yahoo Florida Law
Find An Attorney, Legal Service, Legal Guides
- Association for Conflict Resolution
- Florida Bar Association
- Florida Constitution Revision Commission
- Florida Department of Children and Families
- Florida Department of Corrections
- Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
- Florida Department of Management Services
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- American Bar Association
- Indian Legal Assistance Program
- Law Help
General Sources
- Florida State Guide (Law Library of Congress)
- Florida (Official site)
- Florida Division of Libraries and Information Services (Catalog)
- Florida Libraries (LIBCAT)
- Florida State and Local Government (Library of Congress)
- State and Local Government on the Net: Florida (State Local Gov)
- Yahoo Florida
Journals and Periodicals
- University of Florida Law Review
- Florida State University Law Review
- Florida Bar Journal
- Florida Bar News
Law Schools
- Ave Maria School of Law (Library)
- Florida Coastal School of Law - (Library)
- Florida State University College of Law - (Library)
- Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center - (Library)
- St. Thomas University School of Law - (Library)
- Stetson University College of Law - (Library)
- University of Florida Levin College of Law - (Library)
- University of Miami School of Law - (Library)
Research Guides
- LLSDC Legislative Source Book: Florida
- Florida Legislative History Research (University of Miami Law Library)
- Research Guides (University of Miami Law Library)
- Self Help Center (Florida State Courts)
- South Florida Association of Law Libraries
- Southeastern Chapter of the American Association of Law Libraries
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