Using Advanced Search Forms

The information in this article applies to the following LexisNexis^® products and services: Lexis+^®, Lexis^®

Advanced Search is a form-based search feature that allows you to create search queries using content specific fields and segments. This feature defaults to a basic search form that searches within all content type categories, but it also has content type specific forms. The Advanced Search forms are available for all categories available in Research. Each form is different and designed specifically to search particular content type categories and subcategories.

Accessing Advanced Search

Click the Advanced Search link located below the search form. The feature defaults to a basic search form where you can enter search terms, select a date, enter a citation or a title, and it searches within all content type categories.

Selecting a Specific Content-Type Advanced Search Form

All content type Advanced Search form categories are listed under Select a specific content type. Click on the category to display the form. Certain content-type categories have content type subcategories. Click on the content type to expand the menu and see additional subcategories and search forms.

Search using Advanced Search Forms

Advanced Search is a simple form-based search feature. Once you select the content type category you want to search, you can either enter the search terms in the Terms field, or any of the fields that fit your search criteria. The search fields within the form correspond to segments that are typically part of the documents found within the content type or subcontent type categories. As you enter search terms within the fields, the service automatically populates the search terms within the search box with the proper segments separated by the AND connector.
Note: The service automatically adds the AND connector, but you can change it to another connector if necessary.

Some Advanced Search Forms have widgets that allow you to choose greater than (>), less than (<), or equal to (=) and enter a number in the accompanying field. For example, the Length widget on the Law Reviews & Journals Advanced Search Form and the Award widget on the Jury Verdicts & Settlements Advanced Search Form.

Note: Many Advanced Search forms include a Segment Examples graphic on the right side of the page. Click the graphic to see a sample document with the different segments displayed. This helps you understand which fields to use on the Advanced Search form.

Take the following steps to find cases decided by Judge Sunshine using Advanced Search:

1. Click Advanced Search.
2. Click Cases.
3. Enter sunshine in the Judges field.
4. Click Search.