Not everybody can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal services. In law school we were treated to access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty whenever you got out and started working towards. Many firms have or even more the other, and Maybe large firms may to be able to both. Despite access to at least of these, I discovered that I can frequently find things faster and much easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s if the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides easy to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. Course . has sections for on-line research too as the specifics of law libraries for those who have regarding one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics with the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, reasons for law, state versus federal law, along with the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, but 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, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that are free. I like the tips and warnings through out the book as well. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid that had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know to be able to go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law you want to research, what resources will help you with may well be a to find, and being aware of your legal research interrogation. This is important, you need to know that which you are really looking for before proceeding searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. This chapter explores sources such as online 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 because of kinds of resources, an individual also will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides a brief an assessment what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. These are 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 along with rules and ordinances. Both of these tend to be crucial depending on your particular issue. This chapter is an efficient introduction to this world of “laws” for people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that have previously been planned. These cases interpreted laws and currently employ the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is an example of 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 inside of law library.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what in a situation is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter relies upon case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the end earlier, which chapter goes further to help you make sure you have “good law.” It Indian law library teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to ensure the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are striving to make a case yourself, you must be sure you are relying on “good policies.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know lots of laypeople don’t.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is preparation. Once you find the information, will need to put people find in written form for those that asked in order to find thought. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Quite a bit less thorough even though the semester class most novice law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. There is a brief section about going to court and the legal court process leading to a couple pages on finding and with a legal counsel.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter the research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to knowledge. It’s very short, the software will give the non-lawyer a little example of how to the the law and try finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Another 100 plus pages is often a glossary, which a person usually need whether they have had a legal dictionary. Nolo actually is sufffering from a simple legal dictionary that will not replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics also as an index.
Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs you need to do legal research but does not know where to start. If you must do-it-yourself, information can lead the opportunity. It is a very good description of this legal research process for all those without legislation degree.