Not anyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school there were access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when you got out and started training. Many firms have one or the other, and I’m assuming large firms may subscribe to both. Even with access to one of these, I realize that I can often find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line these days. More and more are becoming available often.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides easy to follow research methods to common law library assist you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research too as info on law libraries for those who have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of the items the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, along with the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good acclimatation.
Two: Finding Legal Learning websites. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, additionally other sites that have the freedom. I like the tips and warnings through out the book too. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to somebody that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known numerous laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know to be able to go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law you want to research, what resources will allow you with the simple fact is to find, and figuring out your legal research subject. This is important, you need to know actually really interested in before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. 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, et cetera. Many law firms will possess a lot top kinds of resources, may will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides a brief report on what these sources might be.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Tend to be some the bulk of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to these resources and strategies for them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations along with rules and ordinances. Both of these are essential depending on top of your particular hassle. This chapter is a good introduction to this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. A lot of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have already been planned. These cases interpreted laws and are now the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is individuals a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how you can use citations to find cases, find cases through the internet, find cases in the law collection.
Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the tip earlier, which chapter goes further in order to assist you guaranteed that you have “good law.” It teaches you the way to Shepardize a Case, an activity we lawyers use guarantee that the cases we are relying on are still good. An individual are wanting make in a situation yourself, you must be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the regarding things lawyers know a number of laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to be able to. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is preparation. Once you find the information, have to put true find in written form for those asked you find it. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough while the semester class most newbie law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and dealing with an attorney at law.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is they lawyer overcome case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach rare to research. It’s very short, the software will give the non-lawyer a little example of how to with the law and go about finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The following 100 plus pages is really a glossary, that your person usually need whether they have had a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but decent resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics also as an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the one who wants or needs to enjoy legal research but doesn’t know the place to begin. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description of this legal research process for all those without legislation degree.