CourtSmart Legal Source Books

Illinois Legal Source Book

The most comprehensive state-specific constitutional law reference for Illinois law enforcement. Two volumes covering constitutional criminal procedure and Section 1983 civil liability, written specifically for patrol officers.

By Dale Anderson & Anthony A. Polse

Buy Now — $60
Illinois Legal Source Book cover

What's inside

Two volumes that cover every legal topic a patrol officer encounters on the job, grounded in Illinois and federal case law.

V1

Constitutional Criminal Procedure

  • Search & seizure — 4th Amendment standards, warrants, exceptions, vehicle searches, person searches, premises searches
  • Terry stops — Reasonable suspicion, stop and frisk, investigative detentions
  • Interviews & interrogations — Miranda, voluntariness, custodial interrogation
  • Physical lineups — Constitutional requirements for identification procedures
  • Testifying — How to present evidence and articulate decisions in court
  • Report writing — Documenting actions to survive legal scrutiny
V2

Section 1983 & Civil Liability

  • 42 U.S.C. § 1983 — Federal civil rights actions against officers and departments
  • Qualified immunity — Current standards, how courts evaluate, and how to preserve it
  • Excessive force claims — Graham v. Connor framework and 7th Circuit case law
  • Summary judgment — Defenses to Section 1983 actions
  • Municipal liability — Monell doctrine and department-level exposure
  • Illinois-specific case law — State court decisions affecting officers

Why officers call it "The Peace Officer's Bible"

The Illinois Legal Source Book isn't an academic textbook. It's a practical reference written in language patrol officers can understand, with models that can be applied to any situation encountered on the job.

Complex court decisions are distilled into clear, actionable guidance. Every topic is explained within the context of real scenarios officers face daily.

CourtSmart department subscriptions include 2 physical copies and digital ebook access for all officers. Individual subscribers and non-subscribers can purchase standalone copies.

"I use the legal resource book and online training as it provides up to date information on case law that directly deals with law enforcement."

CourtSmart Subscriber

"Your training has saved my career on many occasions. Knowledge about what we can do and why is critical to our job and career survival."

CourtSmart Subscriber

How to get the Illinois Legal Source Book

The Legal Source Book is included with CourtSmart department subscriptions (not individual plans), or available as a standalone purchase.

With Department Subscription

2 physical copies plus digital ebook access for all officers through the LeoTraining app. Included with department plans only.

See department pricing →

Standalone Purchase

Physical copies available for $40 per set. Contact us to order for your department or individually.

Buy now →

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"Your training has saved my career on many occasions. Knowledge about what we can do and why is critical to our job and career survival."

CourtSmart Subscriber