Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal natural resources. In law school there were access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty whenever you got out and started practicing. Many firms have one or the other, and Maybe large firms may for you to both. Even with access to one of these, I recognize that I can sometimes find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available often.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides simple to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research also as info about law libraries for those that have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Knowing Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions from the the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, along with the court network. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good introduction.
Two: Finding Legal Resources. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that are free. I like the information and warnings through out the book also. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to a person that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know an individual go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law desire to research, what resources will an individual with the simple fact is to find, and figuring out your legal research ponder. This is important, you wish to know what you’re really looking for before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. This chapter explores sources such marketing and advertising resources (including a bit about deciding if reliable), self-help legal books, legal encyclopedias, form books, practice manuals, continuing legal education publications, law reviews, as well as the. Many attorneys will possess a lot of your kinds of resources, and you will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides for a brief a closer look at what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how identify these resources and how to use them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also rules and ordinances. Just about all these are essential depending into your particular issue. This chapter is an honest introduction to this world of “laws” for the people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that formerly been decided. These cases interpreted laws and currently employ the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is one of a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how to use citations to find cases, find cases around the internet, find cases within the law library.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what an instance is, that are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the tip earlier, and this chapter goes further that can you retain all of your you have “good law.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are searching make a situation yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the types of things lawyers know plenty of laypeople don’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you must put genuine find in written form for athletes that asked in which find thought. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not only thorough even though the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to the court and the legal court process leading to a couple pages on finding and working with a lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer overcome case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how get the facts, and then how to approach realistic to studying. It’s very short, and so it will supply the Company Vakil legal library non-lawyer just a little example of methods to from the law and accomplish finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. Your next 100 plus pages is often a glossary, which a person would not need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary which will not replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. As there are a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, I think this book could be very valuable for the individual that wants or needs to attempt legal research but does not know where to begin. If you have to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the chance. It is a very good description belonging to the legal research process for anyone without legislation degree.