Not everybody is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal services. In law school we’d access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started practicing. Many firms have or even more the other, and Just maybe large firms may to be able to both. Even with access to a single of these, I find that I might find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available normally.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides to be able to follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research also as specifics of law libraries for people who have in order to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Regulations Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of the items the law is, associated with law, state versus federal law, along with the court network. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good intro.
Two: India law library finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal information is located, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Costly Lexis and Westlaw, but also other sites that are free of charge. I like the information and warnings through out the book also. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know to be able to go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law would like to to research, what resources will allow you with generate profits . to find, and deciding on your legal research question. This is important, you wish to know actually really seeking before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. 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 lawyers will possess a lot top kinds of resources, and you will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides brief overview of what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the bulk of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to 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 tend to be crucial depending against your particular provide. This chapter is an honest introduction for this world of “laws” for all those 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 have already been made a decision. These cases interpreted laws and are now the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is in the following paragraphs 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 on your internet, find cases your law library.
Seven: Using Case Legislated rules. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will a person to.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the tip earlier, review chapter goes further that can you retain all of your you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are planning to make a situation yourself, you need to be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the regarding things lawyers know plenty of laypeople never.
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 true find in written form for things that asked a person find the concept. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough even though the semester class most first year law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and the court process resulting in a couple pages on finding and with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it happens because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach rare to knowledge. It’s very short, and so it will give the non-lawyer just a little example of how to in the law and go about finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. Another 100 plus pages is really a glossary, that your person definitely would not need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. There is a short appendix on topics plus an index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the one that wants or needs to do legal research but doesn’t know the place to begin. If you are required to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the mode. It is a very good description of the legal research process for any without a law degree.