Westlaw now includes a new search tool for Key Numbers. Click on KEY NUMBERS (conveniently in Yellow at the top center of the Westlaw search screens) and use natural language search terms in the new Search for Key Numbers template. A list of topics and key numbers appears below, probable key number matches for your search.

If you want to search only the default jurisdiction, a click on any of the key numbers listed leads to relevant cases. To search a different jurisdiction or additional jurisdictions, click on Change Jurisdiction. A box appears that allows you to click appropriate boxes to search all jurisdictions, all federal cases, all state cases, or as many as three of the jurisdictions listed.

If you would prefer to select key numbers the old way, by browsing 400 topics in the American Digest System or using Key Search to select from among 40-50 major topic headings, the KEY NUMBERS link still allows those options, under the Browse Key Numbers heading.

For more information, see Westlaw’s explanation of the West Key Numbers search tool.