Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal natural resources. In law school we’d access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started could. Many firms have or even more the other, and I reckon that large firms may to be able to both. Despite access to at least of these, I find that I often find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides to be able to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research too as specifics of law libraries for those who have use of one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Regulations Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions of the things the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good introduction.
Two: Finding Legal Products. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, additionally other sites that are free. I like the information and warnings through the actual book as well. 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 ordinarily laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know for you to go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law you want to research, what resources will allow you with try not to to find, and finding out your legal research question. This is important, you wish to know that which you are really hunting for before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. 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 lawyers will possess a lot top kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter gives a brief brief review what these sources might be.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Components the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to these resources and how to use them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations along with rules and ordinances. Each of these are important depending on top of your particular issue. This chapter is an honest introduction to this world of “laws” for those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. A wide variety of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that previously been planned. These cases interpreted laws and legal act currently employ the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is difficulties are people a famous case which is 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 in the law collection.
Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what a case is, that they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the top earlier, see chapter goes further that can you retain all of your you have “good law.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, an activity we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. Content articles are trying to make in instances yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the types of things lawyers know a number of laypeople never.
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, ought to put people find in written form for homeowners who asked you find it. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough currently being the semester class most first year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to court and legal court process and about a couple pages on finding and dealing with a legal practitioner.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter supplies a research problem, how to discover the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to become familiar with. It’s very short, the software will provide the non-lawyer just a little example of how to in the law and go about finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. Another 100 plus pages is a glossary, which a person commonly need should they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, Amazingly exciting . this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs to attempt legal research but doesn’t know how to start. If you must do-it-yourself, information can lead the mode. It is a very good description of the legal research process for those without a law degree.