Not anyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal natural resources. In law school we were treated to access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started working towards. Many firms have or even more the other, and I suppose large firms may to be able to both. Even with access to at least of these, I see I often find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line these days. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides simple follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research too as info on law libraries for people who have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and also the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good legal act rewards.
Two: Finding Legal Products. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, additionally other sites that cost nothing. I like the information and warnings through out the book as well. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to somebody that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known ordinarily laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know for you to go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law desire to research, what resources will allow you with what you need to find, and finding out your legal research interrogation. This is important, you wish to know what you are really hunting for before you decide to searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. This chapter explores sources such exactly how 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 legal businesses will possess a lot because of kinds of resources, and you 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 almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover these resources and how to use 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 essential depending on top of your particular hassle. This chapter is an honest introduction for this world of “laws” for those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Much of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that already have been planned. These cases interpreted laws and are now the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is difficulties are people 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 around the internet, find cases in the law archive.
Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, that they are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will a person to.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the tip earlier, see chapter goes further in order to assist you retain all of your you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are trying to make in a situation yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the types of things lawyers know that many laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research make use of. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is preparation. Once you find the information, ought to put that find in written form for homeowners who asked in which find it. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough while the semester class most first year law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to the court and legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and dealing with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter supplies a research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to research. It’s very short, the software will give the non-lawyer just a little example of methods to in the law and accomplish finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Another 100 plus pages is really a glossary, that your person does not need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually is sufffering from a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but decent resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics also index.
Overall, Amazingly exciting . this book could be very valuable for the person who wants or needs to attempt legal research but doesn’t know the place to begin. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description of the legal research process for everyone without a law degree.