If you've ever wondered how West creates headnotes and key numbers . . . .

Then this is the video for you.  A behind the scenes look at how the editorial staff at West takes a case (here, it's the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller) moments after it's decided and then adds headnotes as well as assigning digest topics and key numbers. 

To think that the staff at West is responsible for reading, analyzing and indexing every appellate decision (as well as many trial court opinions) decided by every court in the land, is truly fascinating.  And the fact that West has created such a powerful company by merely adding value to public information has to be one of the great, untold stories in the history of American business.

Enjoy!

Hat tip to Rob Hudson

(jbl)