Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal services. In law school we’d access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when you got out and started studying. Many firms have or even more the other, and I’m assuming large firms may to be able to both. Even with access to 1 of these, I realize that I can sometimes find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line these days. More and more are becoming available normally.
That’s where the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides to be able to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. In an effort to has sections for on-line research as well as info on law libraries for those that have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions from the the law is, sources of law, state versus federal law, and the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good introduction.
Two: Finding Legal Learning websites. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, however other sites that cost nothing. I like the tips and warnings through out the book also. Good caution doesn’t every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid 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 will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law you want to research, what resources will assist you with the simple fact is to find, and finding out your legal research interrogation. This is important, you wish to know what you’re really really looking for before you travel searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such the way resources (including a bit about deciding if reliable), self-help legal books, legal encyclopedias, form books, practice manuals, continuing legal education publications, law reviews, as well as the. Many attorneys will possess a lot in their kinds of resources, an individual also will find even more at legislation library. This chapter gives a brief report on what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the bulk of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how identify these resources and how to use them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and other rules and ordinances. Just about all these are crucial depending against your particular trouble. This chapter is an efficient introduction for this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. A wide variety of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that formerly been figured. These cases interpreted laws and have been the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is individuals a famous case which usually is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how to use citations to find cases, find cases on top of the internet, find cases within the law study.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, how they are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter depends upon case law, this chapter will assist.
Eight: Validating Your Research. I pointed out the tip earlier, see chapter goes further to help you specialist you have “good the legal system.” It Indian law library teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are wanting make a case yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the regarding things lawyers know lots of laypeople can’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to be able to. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is studies. Once you find the information, you must put that find in written form for homeowners who asked a person find the concept. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough when your semester class most novice law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to court and the court process leading to a couple pages on finding and working with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is they lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how learn the facts, and then how to approach the question to knowledge. It’s very short, it will provide the non-lawyer just a little example of how to the the law and go about finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. The other 100 plus pages is really a glossary, which a person usually need should they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually uses a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, Amazingly exciting . this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs to enjoy legal research but doesn’t know where do you start. If you have to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description of this legal research process for everyone without legislation degree.