Author: caryhall@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us at -Internet 
    Date: 3/3/97 12:06 PM 
Priority: Normal 
     BCC: CITATION at AO-OCPPO
      TO: citation@ao.uscourts.gov at -Internet 
 Subject: Adoption of ABA Resolution on Uniform Citation 

     I strongly urge the Judicial Conference to adopt the ABA's 
resolution on uniform citation. I am a solo practitioner in Baltimore 
County, Maryland, and rely on Internet sources to flesh out my 
otherwise scanty library. Solo and small- to medium-sized law firms 
are usually crushed by monthly invoices resulting from the daily 
upkeep of a "hard-copy" library. Even those firms moving to CD-Rom 
technology are hit with the same library maintenance charges. I, for 
one, am unable to meet those monthly demands and keep my shingle up. 

     So how do I, and others like me, practice? Many of us rely on 
the caselaw and research tools provided on-line at no cost. 
obviously, this saving trickles down to our clients who may even be 
inclined to rethink the archetypal lawyer stereotype once they 
realize that I only charge them a modest, reasonable fee for 
excellent and thorough legal work. I dare say there is a direct 
correlation between my savings in performing Internet legal research 
and my ability to keep my fees reasonable. 

     Frankly, I am surprised that our federal judiciary would be 
willing to * * * nt a single company like West Publishing a monopoly 
on all federal caselaw. I have always been taught that access to 
justice -- Due Process -- is paramount. I still believe that, and 
trust that the federal bench does too. 

     Adopting the ABA resolution on uniform citation will allow those 
downloading caselaw from the Internet to use those transcripts in 
federal court. This will save participating lawyers time and money -- 
and these fruits can only benefit their clients as well. Moreover, 
perhaps the federal judiciary will have the benefit of more-informed 
and prepared counsel who can provide the Court access to up-to-the-
minute caselaw. 

     In my opinion, all attorneys will benefit from adoption of the 
ABA resolution, but particularly those solo or small firm lawyers 
(such as myself). I urge your swift adoption herewith. 

                                   Cary B. Hall, Esq. 
                                   Law offices of Cary B. Hall 
                                   406 West Pennsylvania Avenue 
                                   Towson (Baltimore), Maryland 21204
                                   Phone - (410) 296-6552; 
                                   FAX - (410) 296-7349 
E-mail - caryhall@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us