Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school there were access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started studying. Many firms have or even more the other, and I reckon that large firms may subscribe to both. Despite access to at least of these, I see I often find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line these days. More and more are becoming available normally.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides simple follow research methods to assist you answer your legal questions. System has sections for on-line research also 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: India law library Understanding the Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions of the items the law is, associated with law, state versus federal law, along with the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that cost nothing. I like the tips and warnings through the actual book as well. 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 could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law desire to research, what resources will help you with try not to to find, and deciding on your legal research question. This is important, you want to know actually really in need of before planning searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. 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, and so on. Many law firm will possess a lot of these kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter offers a brief an assessment what these sources have always been.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Tend to be some the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how identify these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations together with other rules and ordinances. All the these are vital depending against your particular provide. This chapter is a good introduction for 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 already have been made a decision. These cases interpreted laws and are now 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 tips on how to use citations to find cases, find cases on top of the internet, find cases inside of law library.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, that they are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will to be able to.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the top earlier, and this chapter goes further aid you guaranteed that you have “good law.” It teaches you the way to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are trying to make in instances yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know plenty of laypeople do not ever.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to use. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, ought to put genuine find in written form for things that asked in which find thought. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough when your semester class most newbie law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and legal court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter provides a research problem, how to discover the facts, and then how to approach the question to studying. It’s very short, and so it will a number of circumstances non-lawyer a little example of methods to with the law and begin finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. The other 100 plus pages is really a glossary, that your person does not need should they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary that will not replace “Black’s” but decent resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics also index.
Overall, Amazingly exciting . this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs to do legal research but does not know where to begin. If you need to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the opportunity. It is a very good description for this legal research process for those without legislation degree.