Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal web sites. In law school we were treated to access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when ever you got out and started training. Many firms have one or the other, and Maybe large firms may subscribe to both. Despite access to at least of these, I realize that I can frequently find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line these days. More and more are becoming available on a daily basis.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” will be in. It provides for you to follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research too as info about law libraries for people that have use of one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Understanding the Basics among the Law. Brief descriptions of the items the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, and also the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good intro.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. 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 are free of charge. I like the ideas and warnings through out the book also. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid that had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known numerous laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know in order to go looking, like may be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law you want to research, what resources will a person to with what you need to find, and working out your legal research question. This is important, you need to know what you are really seeking before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such exactly how resources (including a bit about deciding if reliable), self-help legal books, legal encyclopedias, form books, practice manuals, continuing legal education publications, law reviews, et cetera. Many attorneys will possess a lot because of kinds of resources, an individual will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides a brief report on what these sources might be.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Components the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover 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 vital depending against your particular factor. This chapter is a positive introduction to this world of “laws” for anyone that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. A lot of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that already have been created the decision. These cases interpreted laws and currently employ the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is difficulties are people a famous case that is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn the right way to use citations to find cases, find cases through the internet, find cases in the law archive.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what a case is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the end earlier, which chapter goes further support you acquiring you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, an activity we lawyers use guarantee that the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are wanting make in instances yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know a number of laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. 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 true find in written form for those that asked in order to find the concept. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough currently being the semester class most novice law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to court and the judge process and approximately a couple pages on finding and dealing with a lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter provides a research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach realistic to studying. It’s very short, it will provide the non-lawyer just a common law library little example of methods to look at the law and go about finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. The following 100 plus pages is often a glossary, that your person usually need if they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is a good resource. Then 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 doesn’t know the place to begin. If you are required to do-it-yourself, information can lead the chance. It is a very good description in the legal research process for any without a law degree.