Comprehensive geographically, the collection also spans all periods of law, from the most ancient and primitive to the most contemporary and sophisticated. All systems of law – common, civil, customary, religious and socialist – are represented, as are all topics within the law.
On a selective or representative basis, the Law Library also collects legal periodicals and their indexes, treatises, law school theses and dissertations, legislative histories, and publications of bar associations.
The Law Library of Congress serves a wide range of functions, some better known than others. The Law Library provides research and reference assistance, oversees the preeminent legal collection available, and houses an international staff of foreign law attorneys.
In 1932, a group of prominent attorneys and jurists organized the Friends of the Law Library of Congress to encourage awareness and support of the Law Library, contribute to its collections and sponsor programs that promote a better understanding of law.
The Global Legal Monitor is an online publication from the Law Library of Congress covering legal news and developments worldwide. It draws on information from the Global Legal Information Network, official national legal publications, and reliable press sources.
The Law Library of Congress regularly celebrates law-related observances such as Constitution Day and Law Day. In 2008, in honor of Law Day, it hosted a panel discussion on “The Rule of Law in Established and Emerging Countries.” The June issue of the Library of Congress Information Bulletin featured an article on the event.