Law Library of Congress

Robert Brammer, rbram@loc.gov, is representing the Law Library of Congress on this project. We would like to respond to frequently asked reference questions through the use of an IPA and we have a significant number of scripts that can be used as a data source to respond to frequently asked reference questions and a large number of web based resources that can be embedded in those scripts. Here are some sample questions and answers.

Because I need the user to be able to frequently interact with a screen, and not just voice commands, I am going to work with Facebook Messenger.

0. Welcome message. Hello. The Law Library of Congress can help you find legal information. Please note that we cannot provide you with legal advice.

1. Default answer. I do not understand that command. If you want to speak to a librarian at the Law Library of Congress, click on Ask A Librarian You also receive the following button "Ask A Librarian", which links you to https://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/ask-law.html

2. I want to find a case. You receive the text, "Watch this quick video to learn how to find cases. Remember to write down the citations to the cases and use Keycite or Shephards at your local law library to make sure they have not been overturned." You have the option of clicking a button that says "How to find cases" which links you to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGDJTeabQzU&feature=youtu.be

3. I want to find state statutes. You receive the text, "Just click the button below and find your state on the list to locate your state's statutes" and have the option of clicking on a button that says "State Statutes" which links you to: http://www.loc.gov/law/help/guide/states.php

4. I want to learn about the U.S. Constitution. Click below to read summaries of Constitutional provisions and the U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have interpreted them with the Constitution Annotated on Congress.gov. This provides a button "Constitution Annotated", which links to: https://www.congress.gov/constitution-annotated

5. I have been sued for a divorce. You receive the text "This area of law is often state specific. You can find some resources by clicking the button below. You might also check to see if your state has a self-help center that provides forms for family law cases." You have two buttons available to you. One says "Resources" which links you to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2014/06/family-law-a-beginners-guide-part-1-formation-and-dissolution-of-marriage/ The other button is "State Statutes" This links you to response 3, which is listed above.

6. I want to sue for child custody. You receive the text, "This area of law is often state specific. You can find some general resources by clicking the button below. Be sure to check your state statutes and caselaw for additional information. You might also check to see if your state has a self-help center that provides forms and guidance for family law cases." You have three buttons. One button is "Resources" which links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2014/07/family-law-a-beginners-guide-part-2-child-custody-support-and-adoption/ The other button is "Cases", which links to response 2 above. The third button is "State Statutes", which links to response 3 above.

7. I want to sue for child support. You receive the text, "This area of law is often state specific. You can find some general resources by clicking the button below. Be sure to check your state statutes and caselaw for additional information. You might also check to see if your state has a self-help center that provides forms and guidance for family law cases." You have three buttons. The first button is "Resources", which links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2014/07/family-law-a-beginners-guide-part-2-child-custody-support-and-adoption/ The other button is "Cases", which links to response 2 above. The third button is "State Statutes", which links to response 3 above.

8. I’m looking for a deed. You receive the text, "If you're looking for forms for deeds and other real estate forms, click on the resources button below." The button "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2016/11/locating-real-estate-forms-a-beginners-guide/

9. My landlord is violating my lease OR My landlord does not maintain my property. You receive the text, "Having problems with your landlord not maintaining the property, entering the apt. without notice, not returning your security deposit, etc.? Click below to access resources on landlord tenant law. This is state specific, so it would be helpful to locate a book that is specific to your state. Also, check state statutes." The "Resources" button links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2014/10/landlord-tenant-law-a-beginners-guide/ The "State Statutes" button links to response 3 above.

10. I want to draft a will. You receive the text, "Click the button below, but keep in mind this area of law is state specific. Be sure to comply with your state statutes on drafting a will." There are two buttons. "Draft a Will" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2016/10/drafting-a-will-a-beginners-guide/ "State Statutes" links to response 3 above.

11. I bought a car that is a lemon. You receive the text, "If you bought a car that has problems and you want to see if lemon laws may apply, click Resources below." "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2015/04/lemon-laws-a-beginners-guide/

12. My house is in foreclosure. You receive the text, "If you are interested in learning more about foreclosure, click on Resources below." "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2014/05/foreclosure-defense-a-beginners-guide/

13. I want to apply for disability. You receive the text, "If you are interested in applying for Social Security Disability benefits or are appealing an initial denial of your claim, click Resources below." "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/10/social-security-disability-law-a-beginners-guide/

14. If they type, I want to sue OR I want to file a lawsuit, they receive the text, "You may want to see if the value & type of your claim can be pursued in a small claims court by clicking small claim limits to see a table listing small claim limits. If you believe your claim qualifies, click Resources for general resources on small claims. If not, click Not Eligible." "Small claims limits" links to: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/small-claims-suits-how-much-30031.html "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/12/small-claims-court-a-beginners-guide/ "Not Eligible" links to response 15.

15. Take a look at the rules of procedure for your jurisdiction & any local court rules on filing a complaint, service of process, etc. You will also need to look at the rules of evidence for your jurisdiction. You will need to support your claims with citations to cases and statutes. You may want to hire an attorney. "Find an attorney" links to this text, "The Law Library of Congress is unable to recommend an attorney. You may want to contact your state bar association's referral hotline for a referral." "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/07/legal-drafting-a-beginners-guide/ "Cases and Statues" links to response 16.

16. You can use the resources below to locate cases & statutes to support your claim. Also, look at your court's rules of procedure and rules of evidence. "Cases" links to response 2 "State Statutes" links to response 3 "Federal Statutes" links to response 17.

17. If they type I want to find a federal statute OR I want to locate a federal law, they will receive this response. For laws that just recently passed, check Congress.gov. For laws that have been on the books a little longer, you will find them organized by subject in the United States Code. If you know the name of the law, click on “popular name tool.” "Congress.gov" links to: www.congress.gov "U.S. Code" links to: uscode.house.gov

18. If they type, I am interested in asylum law, they receive the response below. If you're interested in researching an asylum matter, click on Resources below. "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/04/asylum-law-a-beginners-guide/

19. If they type, I am interested in immigration law, they receive the response below. If you're interested in researching an immigration law issue, click Resources below. "Resources" links to: http://blogs.loc.gov/law/2012/12/immigration-law-a-beginners-guide/

20. If they type, My neighbor is not maintaining their property, they receive the response below. If you believe your neighbor is not maintaining their property, such as their lawn, click on Resources below to check your municipal code to see if they are violating any local ordinances. "Resources" links to: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/11/municipal-codes-a-beginners-guide/