Legal Research – How to locate & Understand the Law
Not anyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty for when you got out and started practicing. Many firms have much more the other, and Just maybe large firms may in order to both. Even with access to 1 of these, I find that I can frequently find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line these days. More and more are becoming available often.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides simple to follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. In an effort to has sections for on-line research too as info on law libraries for those who have to be able to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions of the items the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, and the court system. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good intro.
Two: Finding Legal Learning websites. This common law library chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that cost nothing. I like the information and warnings through the actual book too. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to someone who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know for you to go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law extra flab to research, what resources will an individual with the simple fact is to find, and finding out your legal research subject. This is important, you need to know what you’re really really hunting for before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Resources for the article. This chapter explores sources such the way resources (including a bit about deciding if reliable), self-help legal books, legal encyclopedias, form books, practice manuals, continuing legal education publications, law reviews, and so on. Many law firms will have a lot in their kinds of resources, may will find even more at a law library. This chapter offers a brief overview of what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the the bulk of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to obtain these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also other rules and ordinances. Each of these are essential depending into your particular factor. This chapter is an efficient introduction to this world of “laws” for those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Much of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that formerly been planned. These cases interpreted laws and are usually the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is in the following paragraphs a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn tips on how to use citations to find cases, find cases through the internet, find cases within the law study.
Seven: Using Case Legal system. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the end earlier, so, as chapter goes further aid you guaranteed that you have “good guideline.” It teaches you tips on how to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are wanting make in instances yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know that many laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is get to know. Once you find the information, you put genuine find in written form for homeowners who asked in order to find the concept. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less thorough while the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and a legal court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and working with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how get the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to research. It’s very short, it will provide the non-lawyer just a little example of how to in the law and begin finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. Another 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person usually need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. There is a short appendix on topics also as an index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the person who wants or needs to enjoy legal research but does not know where to start. If you are forced to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the chance. It is a very good description belonging to the legal research process for those without a law degree.
