Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal web sites. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started training. Many firms have one or the other, and Maybe large firms may for you to both. Even with access a minimum of one of these, I see I can sometimes find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have Company Vakil law library Statutes etc on-line these days. More and more are becoming available all the time.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides simple to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research too as information regarding law libraries for people who have in order to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Knowing Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good intro.
Two: Finding Legal Products. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that cost nothing. I like the information and warnings through out the book also. Good caution that 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 to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know an individual go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law desire to research, what resources will an individual with generate profits . to find, and working out your legal research subject. This is important, you need to know what you’re really interested in before you travel searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. 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 many. Many law firm will have a lot in their kinds of resources, and will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides brief a closer look at what these sources are.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover these resources and guidelines 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 are crucial depending on your own own particular hassle. This chapter is a good introduction to this world of “laws” for all those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Some of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that previously been planned. These cases interpreted laws and are now the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is in the following paragraphs a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how you can use citations to find cases, find cases on the internet, find cases inside of law library.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what a case is, how they are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter relies upon case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the tip earlier, and this chapter goes further aid you retain all of your you have “good guideline.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are planning to make in a situation yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the forms of things lawyers know plenty of laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research unit. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is preparation. Once you find the information, have to put people find in written form for those asked a person find it. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough currently being the semester class most first year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Genuine effort . a brief section about going to court and a legal court process leading to a couple pages on finding and working with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly 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 realistic to research. It’s very short, and so it will give the non-lawyer a little example of methods to look at the law and try finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The other 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person commonly need whether they have had a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb 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 you need to do legal research but doesn’t know where to begin. If you are required to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the opportunity. It is a very good description of the legal research process for everyone without a law degree.