Not everybody is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started studying. Many firms have or even more the other, and I’m assuming large firms may in order to both. Even with access to a single of these, I discovered that I often find things faster and 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 area book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides easy to follow research methods to assist you answer your legal questions. System has sections for on-line research also as the specifics of law libraries for those who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of the things the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, as well as the court network. 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 India law library chapter explains where legal information is located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that cost nothing. I like the ideas and warnings through the book also. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to someone who had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known to many 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 area of law you would like to research, what resources will a person to with what you need to find, and finding out your legal research ponder. This is important, you want to know actually really interested in before planning searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such understanding of 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 law firms will have a lot in their kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter gives a brief report on what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to find these resources and how to use them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also other rules and ordinances. All of these are vital depending on your particular factor. This chapter is an efficient 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, but in the decisions of cases that previously been planned. These cases interpreted laws and currently employ the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is an example of a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn easy methods to use citations to find cases, find cases on your internet, find cases in the law collection.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what an instance is, that are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Research. I pointed out the tip earlier, so, as chapter goes further to help you specialist you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are trying to make a case yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the regarding things lawyers know which laypeople do not ever.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to use. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you must put people find in written form for athletes that asked you find thought. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough even though the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to the court and the legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and working with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it happens because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter provides a research problem, how learn the facts, and then how to approach yet to studying. It’s very short, that this will necessary non-lawyer just a little example of methods to the the law and do finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Another 100 plus pages is often a glossary, which a person would not need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is the best resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics and an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs to attempt legal research but does not know where do you start. If you have to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the way. It is a very good description in the legal research process for any without a law degree.