Not anyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when you got out and started working towards. Many firms have much more the other, and Maybe large firms may for you to both. Even with access to 1 of these, I see I can frequently find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available normally.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides for you to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. In an effort to has sections for on-line research also as info about 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: Understanding the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, reasons for law, state versus federal law, and also the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good intro.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal information is located, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, but also other sites that cost nothing. I like the tips and warnings through out the book too. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know an individual go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law extra flab to research, what resources will assist you with what you need to find, and deciding on your legal research subject. This is important, you wish to know what you are really seeking before you decide to searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Vendors. 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 law firms will have a lot because of kinds of resources, an individual also will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides brief report on what these sources are.
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 uncover these resources and strategies for them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations together with other rules and ordinances. All of these are vital depending against your particular hassle. This chapter is a good introduction for 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 already have been created the decision. 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 which usually is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how you can use citations to find cases, find cases on your internet, find cases each morning law library.
Seven: Using Case Legislated rules. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, that are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will a person to.
Eight: Validating Your Seek. I pointed out the tip earlier, and this chapter goes further to help you specialist you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use to ensure the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are searching make in a situation yourself, you must be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the forms of things lawyers know that many laypeople do not ever.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is studies. Once you find the information, you must put what you find in written form for those that asked you to find the concept. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough even though the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to court and the 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 learn by case studies and examples that this chapter the research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach yet to studying. It’s very short, it will supply the India law library non-lawyer a little example of methods to look at the law and try finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. Your next 100 plus pages can be a glossary, which a person does not need if they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary that will not 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 one that wants or needs to enjoy legal research but does not know where to start. If you are required to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description of this legal research process for any without a law degree.