Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we’d access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty whenever you got out and started training. Many firms have one or the other, and I’m assuming large firms may for you to both. Even with access to a single of these, I realize that I might find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line these days. More and more are becoming available all the time.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” accessible. It common law library provides to be able to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research also as info on law libraries for those who have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics of your Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, as well as the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Resources. This chapter explains where legal information and facts 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 guidelines and warnings through out the book too. Good caution doesn’t every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to someone who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know an individual go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law you want to research, what resources will help you with the simple fact is to find, and working out your legal research interrogation. This is important, you want to know what you are really in need of before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. 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 so on. Many law firm will have a lot in their kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides for a brief report on what these sources are.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also other rules and ordinances. Both of these are vital depending on your own own particular trouble. This chapter is a superior introduction to this world of “laws” for those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. A wide variety of our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that have already been created the decision. These cases interpreted laws and have been the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is in the following paragraphs 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 the internet, find cases your law catalogue.
Seven: Using Case Legal system. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, that are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter relies upon case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the tip earlier, review chapter goes further in order to assist you acquiring you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you tips on how to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are striving to make in instances yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the types of things lawyers know a number of laypeople do not ever.
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 preparation. Once you find the information, you put true find in written form for those asked a person find getting this done. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough currently being the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to court and a legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and dealing with an attorney at law.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter the research problem, how learn the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to become familiar with. It’s very short, that this will provide the non-lawyer a little example of how to from the law and begin finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. Another 100 plus pages is really a glossary, that your person usually need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually uses a simple legal dictionary that will not replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. There is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs complete legal research but doesn’t know where to begin. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description in the legal research process for any without legislation degree.