Not everyone is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal natural resources. In law school we were treated to access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty whenever you got out and started training. Many firms have much more the other, and I suppose large firms may in order to both. Even with access to one of these, I see I can frequently find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides to be able to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research as well as information regarding law libraries for people 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 with the Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, involving law, state versus common law library federal law, and also the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Learning websites. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, additionally other sites that are free of charge. I like the ideas and warnings through the actual book as well. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to a person that had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know for you to go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law would like to to research, what resources will an individual with may well be a to find, and figuring out your legal research ponder. This is important, you wish to know that which you are really looking for before you decide to searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. 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 legal businesses will possess a lot top kinds of resources, an individual will find even more at a law library. This chapter offers a brief an assessment what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the bulk of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to find 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. All of these tend to be crucial depending on your particular factor. This chapter is a good introduction to this world of “laws” for anyone that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Much of our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that have previously been made a decision. These cases interpreted laws and are usually 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 within the law library.
Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what an instance is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter depends upon case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the top earlier, review chapter goes further support you acquiring 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. Purchasing are wanting make a suit yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the associated with things lawyers know plenty of laypeople can’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, ought to put people find in written form for homeowners who asked you to find getting this done. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Not only thorough when your semester class most fresh law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to court and the court process leading to a couple pages on finding and with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is they lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter provides a research problem, how learn the facts, and then how to approach the question to knowledge. It’s very short, that this will necessary non-lawyer a little example of how to look at the law and begin finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Another 100 plus pages is really a glossary, that your person usually need if they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is a good resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, I do think this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs to enjoy legal research but does not know where to begin. If you need to do-it-yourself, information can lead the mode. It is a very good description of the legal research process for all those without legislation degree.