Skip to main content

Westlaw Australia

Thomson Reuters Training & Support

Guides & Tips

Browse the library of user guides, support articles, tips and videos tutorials to help you get the most out of your solution. Keep visiting this page for new tools and resources.

Westlaw Australia Guide - How to find cases on a point of law using the Key Number System

Last Published: November 20, 2023

The  Key Number System identifies and indexes legal concepts so you can find cases stating or applying a legal concept.

Browse the Key Number System

  1. Access the Key Number System by clicking Browse by Topic under the Key Number System on the homepage.
  1. Select a key number to browse and locate cases on a relevant topic, e.g., 28 Employment Law.

  1. A list of sub-topics and their key numbers will be displayed.
    Click a key number to view relevant cases on that topic, e.g., Remuneration > When payable.
  1. Click the case title to view the judgment.

Search the Key Number System

Use the title search bar to search for classifications relevant to your issue.

  1. Enter your search term into the Title Search bar and click Search, e.g., discrimination.
  1. A list of the relevant topics and key numbers will be displayed.
  1. Select the tick boxes next to the key numbers relevant to your research issue.
  2. Click View Cases.
  1. The cases relevant to the selected key numbers will be displayed.
  2. The number to the right of the key classification shows how many cases are listed.
  3. To narrow your results, you can filter by key number, jurisdiction, or date.
  1. Use the plus (+) symbols to expand and select the required jurisdiction.
  2. Select from the last 6 months, 12 months, 3 years, or enter a specific date or date range.

You might also be interested in ...

Speak to a consultant

Can't find an answer to your question?
Contact our support team.

Request training

Contact our team to arrange training.

Tell us what you think

We'd love to hear what you think
of our products and support.