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 when ever you got out and started training. Many firms have or even more the other, and Just maybe large firms may in order to both. Even with access to one of these, I see I can often find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line these days. More and more are becoming available often.
That’s area book “Legal Research” obtainable. It provides simple to follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research too as specifics of law libraries for people that have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Understanding the Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, reasons for law, state versus federal law, as well as the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this is a good acclimatation.
Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal results are located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that are free. I like the information and warnings through out the book as well. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known ordinarily 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 the area of law you would like to research, what resources will allow you with may well be a to find, and being aware of your legal research ponder. This is important, you wish to know what you are really interested in before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Resources for the article. 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, et cetera. Many law firm will have a lot of your 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. Of the the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover these resources and increase your website’s traffic them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also other rules and ordinances. All the these are vital depending on top of your particular trouble. This chapter is a positive 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, however in the decisions of cases that have already been decided. These cases interpreted laws and have grown to be the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is one of 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 the internet, find cases within the law catalogue.
Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what in a India law library situation is, how they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the tip earlier, so, as chapter goes further aid you guaranteed that you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use to ensure the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are trying to make a suit yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the forms of things lawyers know a number of laypeople can’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to be able to. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, ought to put what you find in written form for athletes that asked in which find the product. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough as the semester class most newbie law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. There is a brief section about going to court and legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and working with an attorney at law.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter supplies a research problem, how get the facts, and then how to approach yet to become familiar with. It’s very short, so it will necessary non-lawyer just a little example of how to the the law and do finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The next 100 plus pages can be a glossary, which a person does not need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary which will not replace “Black’s” but is a good resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics plus an index.
Overall, I do think this book could be very valuable for the individual that 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 belonging to the legal research process for any without legislation degree.