Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when you got out and started practicing. Many firms have one or the other, and Just maybe large firms may to be able to both. Even with access a minimum of one of these, I see I can frequently find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available all the time.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides simple follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. Course . has sections for on-line research also as information regarding law libraries for people who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Understanding the Basics of your Law. Brief descriptions from the the law is, sources of law, state versus Indian law library federal law, and the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this is the good intro.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This 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 other sites that are free. I like the information and warnings through out the book too. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid that had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know before you go looking, like may be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law would like to to research, what resources will a person to with may well be a to find, and being aware of your legal research ponder. This is important, you want to know what you’re really really seeking before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Resources for the article. This chapter explores sources such understanding of 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 possess a lot because of kinds of resources, an individual also will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides for a brief brief review what these sources have always been.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover these resources and guidelines them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also other rules and ordinances. Just about all these are crucial depending on your particular hassle. This chapter is an honest introduction for this world of “laws” for all those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have already been made a decision. These cases interpreted laws and have grown to be the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is an example of a famous case that is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how you can use citations to find cases, find cases on the internet, find cases within the law study.
Seven: Using Case Legal system. This chapter actually explains what an instance is, that they are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the top earlier, see chapter goes further aid you retain all of your you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to ensure the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are planning to make a situation yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the forms of things lawyers know plenty of laypeople do not ever.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research unit. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you must put true find in written form for those that asked in order to find the concept. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less thorough even though the semester class most first year law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to court and the judge process resulting in a couple pages on finding and with a lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter the research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach the question to knowledge. It’s very short, the software will supply the non-lawyer just a little example of methods to look at the law and do finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The other 100 plus pages is often a glossary, which a person does not need if they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is the best resource. There is a short appendix on topics and an index.
Overall, I think this book could be very valuable for the person who wants or needs to do legal research but does not know where to begin. If you must do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the opportunity. It is a very good description for this legal research process for any without a law degree.
Posted on:
February 15, 2020