The Descriptive Word Index Approach

If you are unable to find a “good case” on your topic by using a secondary source, you
can find cases on point by using the Descriptive Word Index in any of the West digests.
This index takes the same form in all West digests and is designed to help you find
which topic and key number discusses your particular term or concept.
The Descriptive Word Index is usually located in the first or last volumes of the digest
set. The Index works like any other index, except that it refers you to a topic and key
number instead of a volume and page.
After you have located a topic and key number in the Descriptive Word Index you can
go back to the “good case” approach and follow step c to the end.

3. Outline Approach
There is also an outline approach to using the digests. Just go to the beginning of any
digest topic. There you will find an outline of the key numbers used for that topic.
As with the Descriptive Word Index approach, after you have located a topic and key
number you can go back to the “good case” approach (found earlier in this library guide)
and follow step c to the end. 

4. Using the Table of Cases/Defendant-Plaintiff Table

In addition to the “one good case” approach, using the descriptive word index, or using
the outline approach, digests can help you find cases when you have only a partial
citation. For example, if you know the jurisdiction, one or more names of the parties and
a general time period, a full citation can be found by using the table of cases.
Digest in Electronic Form

Researchers can also access many of these same tools through the Library's Westlaw
Patron Access subscription.  Case in Westlaw have headnotes, topics and key numbers
that allow researchers to create a custom digest.  For more information, contact the
reference desk.