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 training. Many firms have much more the other, and I suppose large firms may to be able to both. Despite access to one of these, I realize that I can often find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line these days. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides simple follow research methods to help you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research as well as the specifics of law libraries for people who have use of one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of the things the law is, associated with law, state versus federal law, and also the court system. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good rewards.
Two: Finding Legal Resources. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that are free. I like the tips and warnings through out the book as well. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know before you go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law you want to research, what resources will help you with what you need to find, and finding out your legal research question. This is important, you need to know what you are really interested in before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Vendors. 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, and so on. Many lawyers will possess a lot because of kinds of resources, and will find even more at legislation library. This chapter offers a brief report on what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Components the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover 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. Each of these are vital depending on your own own particular issue. This chapter is a good introduction to this world of “laws” for the people 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 already have been figured. These cases interpreted laws and currently employ 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 tips on how to use citations to find cases, find cases through the internet, find cases inside of law archive.
Seven: Using Case Legal system. This chapter actually explains what a case is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the tip earlier, so, as chapter goes further that can you guaranteed that you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you the way to Shepardize a Case, an activity we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are planning to make in instances yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the types of things lawyers know a number of laypeople typically.
Nine: legal act Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research make use of. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, have to put true find in written form for athletes that asked you find the product. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough currently being the semester class most fresh law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and the court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and with a legal practitioner.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is they lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter supplies a research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach yet to research. It’s very short, that this will provide the non-lawyer a little example of methods to with the law and go about finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. The next 100 plus pages is a glossary, which a person usually need whether they have had a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but decent resource. There is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the person who wants or needs to attempt legal research but doesn’t know how to start. If you are required to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the chance. It is a very good description belonging to the legal research process for everyone without legislation degree.