Archival Collections
The LSU Law Library Archival Collections record the history of the Law School, its faculty, and alumni, and their contributions to legal scholarship in Louisiana and across the globe. In addition, they contain one-of-a-kind and rare materials relevant to the legal history of Louisiana.
Highlights of the collection include the papers Paul M. Hebert created during his tenure as a judge at the US Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and Ira S. Flory’s correspondence from the 1920s regarding the expansion of the Law Library’s holdings, in addition to Hebert’s personal speech files and his records from the Tidelands case.
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (by appointment only). To set up an appointment please contact lawarchives@lsu.edu.
Archival Collections
Moot Court 1977
The LSU Law Library Archival Collections record the history of the Law School, its faculty, and alumni, and their contributions to legal scholarship in Louisiana and across the globe. In addition, they contain one-of-a-kind and rare materials relevant to the legal history in Louisiana.
Highlights of the collection include the papers of Paul M. Hebert created during his tenure as a judge at the US Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and Ira S. Flory’s correspondence from the 1920s regarding the expansion of the Law Library’s holdings, in addition to Hebert’s personal speech files and his records from the Tidelands case. A list of the archival collections is below. New collections are being added regularly.
Explanation of “Processing Level”
“Processing” is the activity undertaken in order to gain an understanding of what information is available in a collection. Processing procedures include boxing, labeling, and physically conserving materials, in addition to creating finding aids that assist researchers in locating items. The LSU Law Library Archival Collections are in various states of processing.
Level 1 – Awaiting Processing: Collections at this level have not yet been processed and are not available to regular research use. In some cases, specific reference requests can be answered. For questions about these collections email lawarchives@lsu.edu. No finding aids have been created for these materials.
Level 2 – Partial Processing: These collections have received a certain level of physical conservation and often a basic finding aid has been created to provide a broad overview of the materials. Collections at this level are open for research use.
Level 3 – Full Processing: Collections at this level have undergone full physical conservation efforts and a thorough finding aid is available. These collections are open for research use.
Paul M. Hebert Nuremberg Records
Processing Level: 3
Finding Aid: Yes (link)
Creator: Paul M. Hebert
Dates Covered: June 1947-July 1948
Size: 39 linear feet
Abstract: The records compiled by Paul M. Hebert during his service as judge on a Nuremberg Military Tribunal (Case no. 6, I.G. Farben). This collection includes trial materials, drafts of his dissenting opinion, personal notes, transcripts, research, correspondence, administrative files, and photographs. Some of these materials are available to use online through our Digital Commons website..
Paul M. Hebert Speech Files
Processing Level: 3
Finding Aid: Yes (link)
Creator: Paul M. Hebert
Dates Covered: 1929-1976 (Bulk Dates: 1949-1975)
Size: 4 linear feet
Abstract: Materials related to speeches delivered by Paul M. Hebert throughout his academic and legal careers. Includes early drafts, final copies of speeches, correspondence related to Hebert’s orations, and topical reference materials. Some of these materials are available to use online through our Digital Commons website.
Judge Helen “Ginger” Berrigan Papers
Processing Level: 3
Finding Aid: Yes (link)
Creator: Judge Helen “Ginger” Berrigan
Dates Covered: 1973-2016
Size: 18 linear feet
Abstract: Includes records related to Judge Berrigan’s legal education efforts both in Louisiana and internationally, her speeches, major decisions, correspondence, photographs, assorted awards, and memorabilia. Judge Berrigan is an LSU Law alum who was nominated by President Bill Clinton for a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where she served as chief judge from 2001-2008.
Paul M. Hebert Law Center Historical Collection
Processing Level: 2
Finding Aid: Yes (link)
Creator: Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Dates Covered: TBD
Size: TBD
Abstract: Materials that document the history of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, its students, and faculty. Includes photographs, video, and documents.
Paul M. Hebert’s Tidelands Records
Processing Level: 1
Finding Aid: No
Creator: Paul M. Hebert
Dates Covered: Circa 1965
Size: 11 linear feet
Abstract: In 1965, at the request of Governor John McKeithen, Hebert took charge of the litigation involving the tidelands on behalf of the state. This lengthy case dealt with disputes over offshore oil and gas revenues between Louisiana and the federal government. This collection contains Hebert’s personal records of his work on the case.
Colonel John H. Tucker Collection
Processing Level: 2
Finding Aid: Yes (link)
Creator: Colonel John H. Tucker
Dates Covered: TBD
Size: 15 linear feet
Abstract: Includes personal papers donated to the library by Col. Tucker, in addition to his professional materials related to legal scholarship and the formation of the Louisiana Law Institute.
Judge Alvin B. Rubin Papers
Processing Level: 2
Finding Aid: Yes (link)
Creator: Judge Alvin B. Rubin
Dates Covered: TBD
Size: 106 linear feet
Abstract: The personal records of Federal Appeals Judge Alvin B. Rubin, a Louisiana native and LSU Law alum who was known for his rulings on civil rights.
Law Library Records
Processing Level: 3
Finding Aid: Yes (link)
Creator: Paul M. Hebert Law Center Library
Dates Covered: 1924-2005 (Bulk Dates: 1924-1927; 1935-1960)
Size: 4.5 linear feet
Abstract: Records of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center Library at Louisiana State University. This collection includes a modest amount of correspondence, financial records, records of library holdings, administrative files, and news clippings dating back to the foundation of the Law School.
Archival Policies
Law student raising hand, circa 1977
Because many items in the archival collections are one-of-a-kind, there are special rules about how they can be used.
Research
Onsite: Access to the Archival Collections is by appointment only. Archival materials may not be checked out, and may not be removed from the reading room. To setup an appointment, please contact lawarchives@lsu.edu. Once on site, researchers will be asked to sign in and read the Rules of Using Archival Collections. In accordance with the Archives & Rare Books Policy, patrons are not allowed in the Archives or Rare Book Rooms themselves, but will be able to use these materials in the Archives Reading Room.
Email and Telephone Requests: For patrons who cannot travel to the Library to conduct research, email and telephone reference services are available. The Library will assist in the identification of potentially relevant materials for photocopying or scanning. The Library is not able to transcribe, paraphrase, or otherwise interpret information for the researcher. Research requests generally take 1-2 weeks to complete, depending on the nature of the question and the number of outstanding requests at the time of submission. Photocopies/digital scans are available for a charge of $0.15 per page (+ $2.00 handling/postage fee when applicable). Fax charges are $0.50 per page (local), $0.75 per page long distance), and $1.00 per page (international); in addition to a $2.00 handling fee. To submit an online reference request for the Archival Collections contact lawarchives@lsu.edu. Please state your question as clearly as possible to facilitate a prompt response.
Photocopying and Scanning
Due to special preservation issues when handling and photocopying and scanning archival material, all photocopies and scans are made by the Archives staff. The Library reserves the right to deny copy requests based on issues related to copyright, preservation, or other circumstances. Photocopies/digital scans are available for a charge of $0.15 per page (+ $2.00 handling/postage fee when applicable).
Collecting and Gifts
The LSU Law Library Archival Collections collects materials that align with its mission and welcomes the donation of materials that will enhance the collection. The acceptance of gifts is contingent upon the appropriateness of the gift to the archival collections, donor restrictions, and the availability of space and conservation supplies. If you are interested in donating materials to the Archives, please read our Acquisition Policy and contact lawarchives@lsu.edu.