Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal services. In law school we access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty for when you got out and started practicing. Many firms have one or the other, and I reckon that large firms may for you to both. Even with access to at least of these, I see I can frequently find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available all the time.
That’s if the book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides easy to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research as well as the specifics of law libraries for those who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, reasons for law, state versus federal law, as well as the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Resources. This chapter explains where legal results are located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, but also other sites that are free of charge. I like the tips and warnings through the book too. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know an individual go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law would like to to research, what resources will assist you with the simple fact is to find, and being aware of your legal research ponder. This is important, you want to know actually really looking for before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. 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 law firm will possess a lot because of kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides 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 strategies for them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and other rules and ordinances. All the these are vital depending on top of your particular trouble. This chapter is an honest introduction for this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Some 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 difficulties are people 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 around the internet, find cases inside of law collection.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what an instance is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the tip earlier, so, as chapter goes further aid you acquiring you have “good police.” It teaches you tips on how to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. Content articles are trying to make in instances yourself, you need to be sure you are relying on “good policies.” These are the forms of things lawyers know lots of laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, ought to put people find in written form for those that asked in which find it. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough while the semester class most 1st year common law library students take, but good for the non-lawyer. There is a brief section about going to court and a legal court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach yet to research. It’s very short, the software will provide the non-lawyer a little example of methods to in the law and go about finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. Another 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person usually need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually uses a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but decent resource. As there are 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 complete legal research but doesn’t know where do you start. If you are required to do-it-yourself, information can lead the mode. It is a very good description of this legal research process for any without a law degree.