Side by side
BAILII vs Legal Information Institute
Both stand on legal research software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Choose BAILII for free web access to case law, legislation, and related legal materials with several search methods. Look elsewhere if you need an API or bulk downloading; commercial users and educational institutions are asked to make annual donations, with no required amount stated on the About page.
Visit BAILII
Free plan Web
LII brings legal texts, research tools, and explanatory materials together in a free web resource. It can help readers find and understand legal information, but not provide advice or personalized research help.
Visit Legal Information InstituteThe facts
| BAILII | Legal Information Institute | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bailii.org | law.cornell.edu |
| On legal research software | #7 of 33 | #15 of 33 |
BAILII: what it does well
- Free database access without passwords or cookies.
- Search by keyword, date, citation, or Boolean operators.
- Browse databases by date or A–Z title list.
- LawCite supports searches across citations, parties, courts, and more.
- Includes case law, legislation, European Union case law, and Law Commission reports.
What to know first
- Bulk downloading is not permitted.
- The service does not have an API.
- Downloading large portions of the site may result in blocked access.
Legal Information Institute: what it does well
- Public legal collections are available free of charge.
- Covers federal law and all 50 states.
- Includes case law, regulations, commentary, and citation tools.
- Read It Online resolves formal case citations.
- Offers free Introduction to Basic Legal Citation.
What to know first
- Does not provide legal advice or interpretations.
- Does not offer personalized research or school-project help.
- Coverage includes only selected world law.
Alternatives to BAILII Alternatives to Legal Information Institute The whole list