Not everybody is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal natural resources. 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 studying. Many firms have or even more the other, and I reckon that large firms may in order to both. Even with access to at least of these, I realize that 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 normally.
That’s if the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides easy to follow research methods to assist you answer your legal questions. Was created to promote has sections for on-line research too as the specifics of law libraries for people that have access to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of the things the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, as well as the court network. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good acclimatation.
Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that cost nothing. I like the information and warnings through out the book too. Good caution that not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to Indian law library somebody that had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know for you to go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law you want to research, what resources will allow you with generate profits . to find, and deciding on your legal research interrogation. This is important, you wish to know actually really in need of before planning searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. This chapter explores sources such the way 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 lawyers will possess a lot top kinds of resources, may will find even more at legislation library. This chapter offers a brief overview of what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how identify these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations along with rules and ordinances. Each of these are crucial depending into your particular issue. This chapter is an honest introduction to this world of “laws” for anyone 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 decided. 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 easy methods to use citations to find cases, find cases through the internet, find cases in the law study.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what an instance is, that they are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter depends upon case law, this chapter will a person to.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the end earlier, so, as chapter goes further aid you retain all of your you have “good law.” It teaches you tips on how to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use certain the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are striving to make a situation yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the regarding things lawyers know that many laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to use. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, ought to put true find in written form for things that asked you to find it. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Not only thorough even though the semester class most first year law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to the court and legal court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and working with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer overcome case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to research. It’s very short, it will give the non-lawyer just a little example of methods to the the law and accomplish finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. The next 100 plus pages can be a glossary, which a person usually need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually is sufffering from a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. Then there’s a short appendix on topics also index.
Overall, I think this book could be very valuable for the one 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 of the legal research process for all those without a law degree.