There are 3 ways to retrieve a case:
1. Citation
In both print reporters and in online databases cases are identified by citations. The citation for Roe v. Wade [ Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) ] is used to show a standard case citation.

Cases are published in both official U.S. Government publications, and by the private legal publishers West and Lawyer's Edition. Therefore, you will often find parallel citations for cases. Example: Roe v. Wade (410 U.S. 113; 93 S. Ct. 705; 35 L. Ed. 2d 147)
Publication:
|
Parallel Citation
|
United States Reports
Supreme Court Reporter
Lawyer's Edition
|
(US) 410 U.S. 113
(S.Ct.) 93 S. Ct. 705
(L.Ed.) 35 L. Ed. 2d 1
|
2. Party name
You can retrieve a case when you know one or more of the parties'
names. A party name can be (1) the full or abbreviated version of the official name (e.g., Scott v. Sandford), (2) the name of one of the parties (e.g., "Board of Education of Topeka") , (3) or the popular name of the case ( e.g., the " Miranda Rights" case).
3. Topic
Retrieving a case by topic electronically is relatively simple. However, if
you are using a print reporter you will
need to use a digest. A digest will assist you with locating a case on a specific topic or issue. West Publishers provides the most
comprehensive digest system. For detailed explanations of how to use
the West Digests in print use the following online tutorials: