Legal Dictionaries and Legal Encyclopedias are excellent starting points to gain an understanding of the "terms of art", words, and pharses used by lawyers and in legal documents. Legal Encyclopedias give a board overview of the basic principles of an area of law that apply generally. Start with either to gain an understanding of the law, then look for resources that apply for a more detailed analysis. Most Legal Dictionaries and Legal Enclycolopedias are in print as well as available electronically.
Bieber's Dictionary of Legal Abbreviations by