The South African law library holds a similar function to that of its English counterpart. It provides a primary source to describe the law and how it has changed and grown over time. South African attorneys fulfil a similar role to solicitors and South African advocates can be equated with barristers. While attorneys have recently gained rights of audience in the High Court, most attorneys continue to brief advocates in complex matters due to their specialised knowledge and skills.

Sweet and Maxwell announced the replacement of their Alerter service from I October with an enhanced Alerter product. This will be available by e-mail only and it will no longer be possible to view the daily alerts on the Sweet and Maxwell Web site. Subscribers can receive information at both 9.00 am and 11.00 am. The first morning alert will contain details of cases, newspaper articles and press releases from the previous afternoon and the later update will cover morning press releases and primary and secondary legislation. It is also possible to elect to receive consolidated daily or weekly alerts and specify individual subject areas. The sting in the tail is that the former free service is to be replaced by this ‘affordable commercial service’ based on the size of the subscriber organisation. From mid-September free two-week trials are available. See www.sweetandmaxwell.co.ukJonline/alerter/aler.cfm for details.