Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal natural resources. In law school there were access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty whenever you got out and started working towards. Many firms have much more the other, and I’m assuming large firms may for you to both. Despite access to one of these, I discovered that I might find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line these days. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” obtainable. It provides simple to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research as well as info on law libraries for those who have use of one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Understanding the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of the items the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, as well as the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this is the good acclimatation.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that are free of charge. I like the tips and warnings through out the book too. Good caution 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 to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know for you to go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law extra flab to research, what resources will assist you with may well be a to find, and figuring out your legal research question. This is important, you need to know what you are really in need of before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such as online 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 law firms will possess a lot top kinds of resources, and you will find even more at a law library. This chapter offers a brief brief review what these sources are.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. These are the bulk of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover these resources and increase your website’s traffic them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations along with rules and ordinances. Both of these are vital depending on your particular hassle. This chapter is an honest introduction to this world of “laws” for all those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that have already been decided. These cases interpreted laws and are usually the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is one of a famous case which usually is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn easy methods to use citations to find cases, find cases through the internet, find cases within the law catalogue.
Seven: Using Case Legal system. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, how they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the tip earlier, which chapter goes further support you specialist you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you tips on how to Shepardize a Case, an activity we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are trying to make in a situation yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the types of things lawyers know plenty of laypeople typically.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to be able to. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is get to know. Once you find the information, have to put what you find in written form for things that asked in order to find thought. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less Indian law library thorough even though the semester class most first year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. There is a brief section about going to the court and legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and working with a legal practitioner.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it happens because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach realistic to become familiar with. It’s very short, that this will supply the non-lawyer just a little example of how to in the law and try finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. Your next 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person does not need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary that wont replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics and an index.
Overall, I think this book could be very valuable for the individual that wants or needs to attempt legal research but does not know how to start. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the mode. It is a very good description in the legal research process for any without legislation degree.