Subject: Public Domain Citation Proposal
   Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 11:01:02 -0500 (EST)
   From: JoFray@aol.com
     To: citation@teo.uscourts.gov

Dear Sir/Madam:

     I am writing in support of the ABA's public domain citation 
proposal.

     As a small firm attorney, I must constantly keep my eye on the 
costs of maintaining a law office library. I have long looked at 
electronic research as a means for reducing my costs (and those of my 
clients).

     If I can use electronic research, I can save a great deal of 
time, a saving that is passed along to clients. This is especially 
true of materials that I DO NOT have in my library, and which I must 
travel considerable distances to locate in a law library.

      A uniform method of public domain citation is useful not only 
to enable those of us in small firms to save time and money for 
research, but it will also greatly help lawyers and judges who are 
READING briefs.

     Instead of pulling out a book, locating the page, and then 
searching (sometimes in vain!) for the particular paragraph or 
sentence cited, imagine the ease with which one could find the 
referenced material if one could simply type the citation into the 
computer and be brought immediately to the precise location in the 
text.

     It is easy to understand why publishers would oppose the ABA's 
proposal. I cannot, however, fathom why any lawyer or judge would 
oppose it. The practice of law; the art of judging, and the public 
interest would all be served.

Very truly yours,

Joanne C. Fray
Law Offices of Joanne C. Fray
1620 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02173
(617) 861 7195
fax (617) 861 6580