Not everyone is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal web sites. In law school there were access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty for when you got out and started working towards. 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 recognize that I can often find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” will be in. It provides simple to follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research as well as the specifics of law libraries for those who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, reasons for common law library, state versus federal law, as well as the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good rewards.
Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, additionally other sites that are free of charge. I like the ideas and warnings through the actual book as well. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to somebody 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 is the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law would like to to research, what resources will a person to with the simple fact is to find, and figuring out your legal research subject. This is important, you wish to know what you’re really really seeking before you travel searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. This chapter explores sources such as online 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 attorneys will possess a lot of your kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter gives a brief report on what these sources have always been.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how identify these resources and guidelines 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 essential depending against your particular factor. 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, however in the decisions of cases that already have 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 difficulties are people a famous case which is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn easy methods to use citations to find cases, find cases on top of the internet, find cases in the law study.
Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what an instance is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter depends upon case law, this chapter will to be able to.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the end earlier, which chapter goes further that can you retain all of your you have “good police.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use guarantee that the cases we are relying on are still good. An individual are planning to make in instances yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the associated with things lawyers know which 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 must put what you find in written form for those that asked you to find thought. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Not only thorough even though the semester class most novice law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Is actually a brief section about going to court and legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and with a lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter supplies a research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to research. It’s very short, and so it will necessary non-lawyer a little example of methods to with the law and begin finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. The following 100 plus pages can be a glossary, which a person definitely would not need should they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is a good resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics also index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the individual that wants or needs complete legal research but doesn’t know where to start. If you must do-it-yourself, information can lead the way. It is a very good description belonging to the legal research process for anyone without a law degree.