Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal web sites. 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 or even more the other, and I’m assuming large firms may for you to both. Even with access to at least of these, I recognize that I can frequently find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line these days. More and more are becoming available normally.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides to be able to follow research methods to help you answer your legal questions. Was created to India law library promote has sections for on-line research also as the specifics of law libraries for those that have use of one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, sources of law, state versus federal law, and the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good rewards.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, but also other sites that cost nothing. I like the information and warnings through the actual book too. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know before you go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law extra flab to research, what resources will help you with generate profits . to find, and being aware of your legal research question. This is important, you need to know what you’re really really looking for before you decide to searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such the way 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 many. Many lawyers will possess a lot of these kinds of resources, an individual will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides a brief a closer look at what these sources are.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to obtain these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations along with rules and ordinances. Each of these are essential depending on your own own particular trouble. This chapter is a good introduction for this world of “laws” for people 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 which usually is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn tips on how to use citations to find cases, find cases on your internet, find cases within the law study.
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 relies on case law, this chapter will to be able to.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the top earlier, review chapter goes further aid you retain all of your you have “good law.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, an activity we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are searching make a suit yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good .” These are the associated with things lawyers know that many laypeople typically.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research unit. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is get to know. Once you find the information, will need to put that find in written form for athletes that asked a person find thought. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less thorough currently being the semester class most novice law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to the court and legal court process leading to a couple pages on finding and dealing with an attorney at law.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer overcome case studies and examples that this chapter the research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to research. It’s very short, and so it will a number of circumstances non-lawyer a little example of how to the the law and begin finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The other 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person does not need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb 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 one who wants or needs complete legal research but does not know the place to begin. If you have to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description for this legal research process for anyone without legislation degree.