Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we were treated to access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty for when you got out and started working towards. Many firms have or even more the other, and I suppose large firms may for you to both. Even with access to at least of these, I discovered that I can frequently find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available on a daily basis.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides easy to follow research methods to help you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research as well as info on 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: Indian law library Regulations Basics among the Law. Brief descriptions of the things the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, and the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good rewards.
Two: Finding Legal Learning websites. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that cost nothing. I like the guidelines and warnings through the book too. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid 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 desire to research, what resources will assist you with what you need to find, and deciding on your legal research interrogation. This is important, you want to know that which you are really seeking before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Resources for the article. 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 law firm will have a lot top kinds of resources, and will find even more at legislation library. This chapter offers a brief report on what these sources normally.
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 guidelines 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 your particular trouble. This chapter is a superior introduction to this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Much of our law is not found in statutes, however 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 in the following paragraphs a famous case is actually 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 study.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, that 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 aid you acquiring 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 law.” These are the associated with things lawyers know plenty of laypeople can’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research make use of. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you put that find in written form for those that asked you find the concept. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less thorough when your semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. Is actually a brief section about going to the court and the court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and working with a personal injury lawyer.
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 become familiar with. It’s very short, the software will necessary non-lawyer a little example of methods to from the law and try finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. Your next 100 plus pages can be a glossary, which a person definitely would not need if they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is the best resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics also as 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 do you start. If you have to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the opportunity. It is a very good description for this legal research process for those without a law degree.