Free access to subscription databases at your Ontario courthouse library!
e-LiRN is a suite of subscription electronic resources available in all courthouse libraries across Ontario.
It’s worth the drive to access these time-saving, comprehensive and case-winning resources that you can use for FREE at the your local courthouse library! Courthouse library staff are also ready to assist you with all your research needs to efficiently help you answer your pressing questions!
All lawyers in Ontario are entitled to use courthouse libraries’ resources for free.
NEW! rangefindr.ca is available REMOTELY to all lawyers in Ontario as of September 1, 2024!
vLex products are available REMOTELY
for many Ontario lawyers. Learn more and consult your local courthouse library staff for access.
e-LiRN Databases
These databases are available on the computers in all Ontario courthouse libraries for members of the Law Society of Ontario for free. We offer remote access to some databases, please see the database link for further information as well as access information.
| Database | Description | In Library Access | Remote Access |
 | CanLII is an extensive Canadian case law, tribunal decisions, legislation & commentary database. It also has Note-Up capabilities and a new (free) Citation Guide – COAL. | Yes | Yes |
 | Search the full text of LSO CPD articles or browse by topic. CPD materials offer practical advice from expert practitioners, especially on new/developing areas of law, cases or legislation. A great starting point for your research to see what the experts say. | Yes | Yes |
 | CriminalSource includes extensive criminal codes, texts by noted experts, and case law including the C.C.C.s. Access sentencing and procedural options for common Criminal Code offences. Search digests of sentencing quantum decisions. | Yes | No |
 | Estates&TrustsSource enables you to efficiently handle any estates and trusts matter, whether your practice involves estate planning, estate administration, or estate litigation. Includes many key texts by estates & trusts experts. | Yes | No |
 | FamilySource enables you to efficiently handle any family law matter, including separation agreements and divorce, child custody, spousal and child support, and matrimonial property. Includes many key texts by family law experts. | Yes | No |
 | HeinOnline contains Provincial and Federal statutes, US law journals, English Reports. | Yes | Yes |
 | Lexis+ resolves legal research issues quickly with a comprehensive case law collection, editorial analysis, and data visualization via one simplified AI search experience. Includes Practical Guidance, Legislative Pulse and Brief Analysis. | Yes | No |
 | rangefindr.ca is a tool to help lawyers and judges find criminal sentencing ranges in seconds instead of hours. Click a few tags that describe the kinds of cases you’re looking for and what kind of sentences were imposed in those cases. | Yes | Yes |
 | vlex has over 300 books and journals available electronically, including the Irwin Law’s Essentials of Canadian Law collection and Emond’s Criminal Law Series. * List of Associations that offer Remote Access to vlex. | Yes | Yes* |
 | Vincent AI (vlex) is a virtual legal assistant that finds legal citations, cited documents and the most relevant legal concepts in any legal document, generating a list of documents for you to review, including legislation, cases, books, articles and model contracts in vLex. A reputable AI product using only Canadian case law to review your documents. * List of Associations that offer Remote Access to vlex. | Yes | Yes* |
Training Resources
- How to Use Digital Resource Tools – LiRN
- CPD Accredited Training is available from our vendors.
Check our CPD and Other Events page to find live training dates on e-LiRN databases that are CPD-accredited for Professionalism.
Who can Access e-LiRN Resources?
All Ontario lawyers are entitled to use courthouse libraries’ resources for free, as an LSO member.
You are not required to be a member of an Association to access the library or its resources (LSO By-Law 13, 10).
Here is a map to help you locate your nearest courthouse library.
Courthouse library staff are also ready to assist you with all your research needs to efficiently help you answer your pressing questions!