I think this fits part of what you're talking about. In Brazil, there's Vade Mecum, a popular app (some Brazilian tech sites say it's one of the most downloaded local apps) allowing someone to take the law with them. It's searchable, and apparently popular because when a police officer or anyone annoying tries to get away with something illegal, one can just open the app and look up the law regarding whatever is being disputed.

http://www.iphonejd.com/iphone_jd/2009/04/review-vade-mecum-...