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 for when you got out and started practicing. Many firms have much more the other, and I reckon that large firms may for you to both. Even with access a minimum of one of these, I find that I often find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available all the time.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides simple follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research too as info on law libraries for people who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, associated with 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 acclimatation.
Two: common law library finding Legal Resources. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that are free of charge. I like the guidelines and warnings through the actual book also. Good caution not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know before you go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law you would like to research, what resources will allow you with the simple fact is to find, and working out your legal research ponder. This is important, you need to know what you are really in need of before planning 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, et cetera. Many law firms will possess a lot top kinds of resources, and you will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides brief overview of what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. These are the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to these resources and guidelines them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and other rules and ordinances. Just about all these are important depending on your particular factor. This chapter is a good introduction for this world of “laws” for all those 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 formerly been planned. These cases interpreted laws and have grown to be 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 easy methods to use citations to find cases, find cases on your internet, find cases your law archive.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter relies upon case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Seek. I pointed out the end earlier, and this chapter goes further support you acquiring you have “good law.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, a task we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. An individual are striving to make in instances yourself, you must 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 make use of. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, will need to put that find in written form for things that asked you to find getting this done. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough as the semester class most novice law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to the court and the court process and about a couple pages on finding and working with a legal practitioner.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer overcome case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach realistic to research. It’s very short, that this will necessary non-lawyer a little example of how to the the law and begin finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. Another 100 plus pages is often a glossary, that your person usually need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. As there are a short appendix on topics also index.
Overall, Amazingly exciting . this book could be very valuable for the one who wants or needs to attempt legal research but does not know where to start. If you must do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the way. It is a very good description for this legal research process for those without a law degree.