Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when ever you got out and started working towards. Many firms have one or the other, and Maybe large firms may in order to both. Even with access a minimum of one of these, I discovered that I often find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available all the time.
That’s legal act exactly where book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides simple to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research as well as information regarding law libraries for those who have use of one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and also the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good intro.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, however other sites that cost nothing. I like the tips and warnings through the book also. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know in order to go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law you want to research, what resources will assist you with generate profits . to find, and figuring out your legal research question. This is important, you need to know what you’re really really in need of 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 law firm will have a lot because of kinds of resources, an individual also will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides a brief a closer look at what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Tend to be some the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to obtain 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 rules and ordinances. All the these tend to be crucial depending into your particular issue. This chapter is an efficient 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 have previously 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 individuals a famous case that 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 your law catalogue.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, that are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter depends upon case law, this chapter will to be able to.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the tip earlier, so, as chapter goes further in order to assist you guaranteed that you have “good police.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. An individual are searching make a situation yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the types of things lawyers know a number of laypeople typically.
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, will need to put true find in written form for things that asked a person find it. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less thorough when your semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. There is a brief section about going to the court and the judge process contributing to a couple pages on finding and with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach the question to knowledge. It’s very short, and so it will give the non-lawyer just a little example of how to from the law and go about finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Another 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person would not need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but is a good resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics also as an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the person who wants or needs to do legal research but does not know the place to begin. If you need to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description for this legal research process for any without a law degree.