Not everybody is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty whenever you got out and started working towards. Many firms have or even more the other, and I’m assuming large firms may in order to both. Even with access to at least of these, I see I often find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line these days. More and more are becoming available on a daily basis.
That’s area book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides easy to follow research methods to assist you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research also as the specifics of law libraries for those who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Knowing Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, and the court network. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Resources. This India law library chapter explains where legal information is located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, however other sites that have the freedom. I like the ideas and warnings through the book also. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know in order to go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law you would like to research, what resources will a person to with generate profits . to find, and working out your legal research ponder. This is important, you wish to know actually really looking for before planning searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such marketing and advertising resources (including a bit about deciding if reliable), self-help legal books, legal encyclopedias, form books, practice manuals, continuing legal education publications, law reviews, et cetera. Many law firms will have a lot in their kinds of resources, and you will find even more at a law library. This chapter gives a brief report on what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Tend to be some the almost all 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 the these are vital depending on your particular factor. This chapter is an efficient introduction to this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. A lot of our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that previously been created the decision. These cases interpreted laws and have grown to be the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is an example of a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn easy methods to use citations to find cases, find cases on your internet, find cases in the law collection.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what in instances is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Research. I pointed out the tip earlier, so, as chapter goes further to help you make sure you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are trying to make in instances yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the regarding things lawyers know a number of laypeople do not ever.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to use. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you must put people find in written form for athletes that asked you to find it. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough even though the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to the court and legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and working with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter provides a research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach yet to research. It’s very short, that this will necessary non-lawyer just a little example of methods to the the law and do finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. Another 100 plus pages is often a glossary, which a person commonly need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. As there are a short appendix on topics and an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs to attempt legal research but does not know how to start. If you have to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the way. It is a very good description in the legal research process for everyone without a law degree.