Not everyone is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when you got out and started could. Many firms have one or the other, and I suppose large firms may to be able to both. Despite access to at least of these, I recognize that I can sometimes find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available normally.
That’s when the book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides simple follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. System has sections for on-line research too as the specifics of 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: Knowing Basics among the Law. Brief descriptions from the 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, it is a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Learning websites. This chapter explains where legal results are located, common law library primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, however other sites that cost nothing. I like the guidelines and warnings through the actual book also. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to someone who had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known numerous laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know an individual go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law you would like to research, what resources will a person to with generate profits . to find, and being aware of your legal research interrogation. This is important, you want to know actually really looking for before you decide to searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Vendors. 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 law firm will have a lot in their kinds of resources, an individual also will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides for a brief report on what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally 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 also rules and ordinances. All of these are important depending against your particular trouble. This chapter is a superior introduction for this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. A wide variety 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 have been 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 to use citations to find cases, find cases around the internet, find cases your law collection.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what an incident is, that are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter depends upon case law, this chapter will assist.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the end earlier, see chapter goes further aid you acquiring you have “good law.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. Content articles are searching make a case yourself, you must be sure you are relying on “good policies.” These are the regarding things lawyers know a number 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, you put genuine find in written form for homeowners who asked in which find getting this done. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough when your semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. Is actually a brief section about going to court and the judge process and approximately a couple pages on finding and with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer overcome case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how get the facts, and then how to approach yet to research. It’s very short, so it will necessary non-lawyer a little example of methods to the the law and go about finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. The other 100 plus pages can be a glossary, which a person commonly need should they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually is sufffering from a simple legal dictionary that will not replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. As there are a short appendix on topics also as an index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the person who wants or needs to enjoy legal research but doesn’t know the place to begin. If you are forced to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the opportunity. It is a very good description for this legal research process for all those without legislation degree.