Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. In law school we’d access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started working towards. Many firms have much more the other, and I suppose large firms may to be able to both. Even with access a minimum of one of these, I see I can frequently find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have Indian law library statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available on a daily basis.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” will be in. It provides simple to follow research methods to help you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research as well as the specifics of law libraries for those that have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Regulations Basics of your Law. Brief descriptions of the things the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, and the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good introduction.
Two: Finding Legal Products. This chapter explains where legal results are located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that cost nothing. I like the guidelines and warnings through the book too. Good caution that not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to somebody that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known numerous laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know an individual go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law would like to to research, what resources will assist you with generate profits . to find, and being aware of your legal research interrogation. This is important, you want to know what you are really seeking 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, and many. Many attorneys will have a lot top kinds of resources, and will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides brief report on what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to find these resources and strategies for them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations along with rules and ordinances. Just about all these are important depending on top of your particular trouble. This chapter is a superior introduction to this world of “laws” for those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Some of our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that already have been figured. These cases interpreted laws and have been the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is an example of 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 through the internet, find cases within the law collection.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter relies upon case law, this chapter will to be able to.
Eight: Validating Your Research. I pointed out the tip earlier, and this chapter goes further to help you retain all of your you have “good guideline.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, an activity we lawyers use guarantee that the cases we are relying on are still good. Content articles are trying to make a case yourself, you must be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the associated with things lawyers know which laypeople can’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research make use of. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is studies. Once you find the information, ought to put that find in written form for those that asked you find thought. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough currently being the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to the court and the court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and working with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter the research problem, how to discover the facts, and then how to approach the question to knowledge. It’s very short, so it will provide the non-lawyer a little example of how to from the law and try finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Your next 100 plus pages is really a glossary, which a person does not need if they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the one who wants or needs you need to do legal research but does not know where to start. If you are forced to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description for this legal research process for those without a law degree.