Not anyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. 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 practicing. Many firms have one or the other, and Maybe large firms may in order to both. Despite access to one of these, I find that I might find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available normally.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides simple follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. In an effort to has sections for on-line research also as specifics of law libraries for people that have to be able to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics of your Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, reasons for law, state versus federal law, and also the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good be common law library released.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, but also other sites that cost nothing. I like the guidelines and warnings through out 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 ordinarily laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know to be able to go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law you would like to research, what resources will allow you with generate profits . to find, and finding out your legal research ponder. This is important, you need to know what you are really looking for before planning searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. 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, and so on. Many law firms will have a lot top kinds of resources, and will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides for a brief a closer look at 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 to these resources and protect yourself with 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 are crucial depending into your particular hassle. This chapter is an honest introduction for this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have already been decided. 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 of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn the right way to use citations to find cases, find cases on top of the internet, find cases each morning law catalogue.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what a case is, how they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will assist.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the end earlier, which chapter goes further to help you make sure 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. An individual are wanting make a suit yourself, you need to be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the types of things lawyers know which laypeople can’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to use. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, have to put that find in written form for athletes that asked in which find it. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough while the semester class most fresh law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. Is actually a brief section about going to the court and the legal court process leading to a couple pages on finding and working with a legal practitioner.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how to discover the facts, and then how to approach the question to become familiar with. It’s very short, and so it will supply the non-lawyer just a little example of methods to the the law and accomplish finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The following 100 plus pages is really a glossary, that your person commonly need if they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually uses a simple legal dictionary that will not replace “Black’s” but is a good resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, I do think this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs complete legal research but doesn’t know where to start. If you must do-it-yourself, information can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description in the legal research process for everyone without a law degree.
Posted on:
February 15, 2020