Checking Source Credibility

Credibility of sources has never been more important. Due to the growth of technology, anyone out there with the requisite knowledge, a computer and an Internet connection can create a web site or blog proclaiming just about anything.

Such individuals do actually exist (and in high numbers) so remain skeptical when you find information on a blog of which you are unfamiliar. When attempting to determine blog credibility, begin by looking around at the top of the main page for identification. You may see a brief intro about the contributors of this blog, or you may find an "About" link which may provide general or specific information about who's running the blog.

Professor/ Firm Blogs: Law professors and firms have hopped on the cyber-bandwagon with creating blogs for various reasons. These blogs may command immediate authority, but don't forget that, in the end, everyone has their own opinion and some blogs may be slanted to push a particular agenda. The best examples in this area are Professor Doug Berman's Sentencing Law & Policy blog (cited by Justice Stevens in the U.S. v. Booker decision) and Goldstein & Howe's SCOTUSblog.