Not anyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. In law school we access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started could. Many firms have much more the other, and Maybe large firms may to be able to both. Even with access to one of these, I realize that I often find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available on a daily basis.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” will be in. It provides simple follow research methods to assist you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research as well as the specifics of law libraries for people that have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics of your Law. Brief descriptions of the things the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and also the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good rewards.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal information is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that are free of charge. I like the tips and warnings through the book also. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known to many 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 desire to research, what resources will allow you with may well be a to find, and figuring out your legal research trouble. This is important, you wish to know actually really interested in before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. This chapter explores sources such exactly how 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 in their kinds of resources, and will find even more at a law library. This chapter gives a brief overview of what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the almost all 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 other rules and ordinances. Each of these are essential depending on your particular trouble. This chapter is a good introduction for this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our common law library is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have previously been created the decision. These cases interpreted laws and have been the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is one of a famous case that is 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 in the law catalogue.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what a case is, how they are published, and how cases affect later arguments. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the tip earlier, which chapter goes further to help you guaranteed that you have “good legal.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a task we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are searching make a case yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know that many laypeople do not ever.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research make use of. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you must put people find in written form for those that asked you find the concept. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less thorough even though the semester class most fresh law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. There is a brief section about going to court and a legal court process and about a couple pages on finding and 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 to discover the facts, and then how to approach rare to knowledge. It’s very short, and so it will a number of circumstances non-lawyer just a little example of methods to in the law and try finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Your next 100 plus pages is really a glossary, which a person commonly need whether they have had a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary which will not replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. There is a short appendix on topics and an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the individual that 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 way. It is a very good description in the legal research process for anyone without legislation degree.