Not anyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal web sites. In law school we were treated to access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when you got out and started practicing. Many firms have one or the other, and I’m assuming large firms may subscribe to both. Even with access to 1 of these, I discovered that I can often find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line these days. More and more are becoming available often.
That’s if the book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides simple to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. Course . has sections for on-line research also as info about law libraries for those who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions from the the law is, sources of law, state versus federal law, as well as the court network. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this is a good intro.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal information is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, however other sites that have the freedom. I like the ideas and warnings through out the book as well. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to someone who had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know before you go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law would like to to research, what resources will help you with try not to to find, and working out your legal research interrogation. This is important, you want to know what you are really interested in before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. This chapter explores sources such marketing and advertising 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 legal businesses will possess a lot in their kinds of resources, may will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides for a brief overview of what these sources might be.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to find 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 other rules and ordinances. All of these are essential depending against your particular factor. This chapter is a superior introduction to this world of “laws” for the people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Much of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have previously been created the decision. These cases interpreted laws and are usually the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is individuals a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how to use citations to find cases, find cases on your internet, find cases your Company Vakil law library catalogue.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what a case is, how they are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will assist.
Eight: Validating Your Seek. I pointed out the tip earlier, and this chapter goes further in order to assist you guaranteed that you have “good law.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are searching make a case yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know which laypeople can’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research unit. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is studies. Once you find the information, have to put genuine find in written form for homeowners who asked a person find thought. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough as the semester class most first year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to the court and the legal court process and approximately 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 the research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to research. It’s very short, the software will a number of circumstances non-lawyer just a little example of how to look at the law and accomplish finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The next 100 plus pages is a glossary, which a person commonly need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually uses a simple legal dictionary that wont replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. Then there’s a short appendix on topics also as an index.
Overall, I think this book could be very valuable for the one that wants or needs you need to do legal research but doesn’t know where do you start. If you are required to do-it-yourself, information can lead the opportunity. It is a very good description of this legal research process for those without legislation degree.