Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty for when you got out and started working towards. Many firms have or even more the other, and I suppose large firms may subscribe to both. Despite access to one of these, I find that I might find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line these days. More and more are becoming available often.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides to be able to follow research methods to assist you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research too as the specifics of law libraries for those who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Regulations Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions from the the law is, involving law, state versus federal law, as well as the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, additionally other sites that are free. I like the tips and warnings through the book too. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to a person 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 an individual go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law desire to research, what resources will an individual with generate profits . to find, and working out your legal research ponder. This is important, you need to know that which you are really in need of before you decide to searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. This chapter explores sources such as online resources (including a bit about deciding if legal act reliable), self-help legal books, legal encyclopedias, form books, practice manuals, continuing legal education publications, law reviews, and many. Many attorneys will have a lot in their kinds of resources, may will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides a brief overview of what these sources might be.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Components the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to find 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 rules and ordinances. Both of these are crucial depending on top of your particular factor. This chapter is a superior 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 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 one of a famous case is actually looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn easy methods to use citations to find cases, find cases around the internet, find cases in the law study.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the end earlier, review chapter goes further that can you specialist you have “good guideline.” It teaches you tips on how to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are trying to make a case yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good policies.” These are the associated with things lawyers know that many laypeople don’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, have to put what you find in written form for athletes that asked in which find thought. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough even though the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Is actually a brief section about going to the court and the legal court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and dealing with a lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it happens because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how get the facts, and then how to approach realistic to research. It’s very short, so it will provide the non-lawyer a little example of methods to with the law and accomplish finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. Another 100 plus pages is often a glossary, which a person does not need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary that wont replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs you need to do legal research but does not know where do you start. If you are forced to do-it-yourself, information can lead the chance. It is a very good description belonging to the legal research process for those without legislation degree.