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 whenever you got out and started could. Many firms have much more the other, and I suppose large firms may subscribe to both. Despite access to at least of these, I see I might find things faster and much 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” does its part. It provides simple to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research also as specifics of law libraries for people that have to be able 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 with the the law is, regarding India law library, state versus federal law, and the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Equipment. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that are free of charge. I like the information and warnings through out the book too. Good caution that not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to someone who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know in order to go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law would like to to research, what resources will a person to with what you need to find, and figuring out your legal research ponder. This is important, you wish to know what you are really looking for before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such understanding of 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 top kinds of resources, and will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides for a brief brief review what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Components the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to find these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and other rules and ordinances. Both of these are vital depending on top of your particular factor. This chapter is an honest introduction to 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 formerly been decided. These cases interpreted laws and are usually the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is an example of a famous case that is 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 inside of law collection.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what in a situation is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will assist.
Eight: Validating Your Research. I pointed out the end earlier, and this chapter goes further support you specialist you have “good law.” It teaches you tips on how to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are trying to make a situation yourself, you need to be sure you are relying on “good policies.” These are the types of things lawyers know lots of laypeople do not ever.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is get to know. Once you find the information, you must put true find in written form for homeowners who asked you find getting this done. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough as the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. Is actually a brief section about going to the court and the judge process and approximately a couple pages on finding and working with an attorney at law.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter provides a research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach the question to knowledge. It’s very short, that this will provide the non-lawyer just a little example of how to in the law and go about finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. The next 100 plus pages is often a glossary, that your person would not need should they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually uses a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but decent resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics and an index.
Overall, Amazingly exciting . this book could be very valuable for the one who wants or needs to do legal research but does not know where do you start. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the chance. It is a very good description of this legal research process for any without legislation degree.