Not everyone 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 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 1 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 normally.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides simple to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. Course . has sections for on-line research too 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 among the Law. Brief descriptions from the the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, and also the court network. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good introduction.
Two: Finding Legal Products. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that are free. I like the information and warnings through the actual 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 most likely not known many 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 would like to to research, what resources will an individual with what you need to find, and deciding on 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 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, 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 bulk of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to 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. Just about all these are vital depending on your own own particular hassle. This chapter is a good introduction to this world of “laws” for those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that formerly been figured. These cases interpreted laws and have grown to be the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is individuals a famous case which is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how to use citations to find cases, find cases on the internet, find cases within the law library.
Seven: Using Case Legislated rules. This chapter Indian law library actually explains what an instance is, that are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. 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 aid you guaranteed that you have “good police.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use guarantee that the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are searching make a situation yourself, you must be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know plenty of laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you must put genuine find in written form for homeowners who asked in which find thought. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Much less 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 they lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how get the facts, and then how to approach rare to studying. It’s very short, and so it will supply the non-lawyer a little example of how to from the law and try 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 don’t replace “Black’s” but decent resource. As there are a short appendix on topics and an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the individual that wants or needs complete legal research but does not know the place to begin. If you are required 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.