Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. In law school there were access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty whenever you got out and started practicing. Many firms have much more the other, and I reckon that large firms may in order to both. Even with access a minimum of one of these, I realize that I might find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available often.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” does its part. It provides simple to follow research methods to aid you answer your legal questions. Course . has sections for on-line research as well as info about law libraries for people who have to be able to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Understanding the Basics of your Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and the court structure. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this is a good acclimatation.
Two: legal act finding Legal Resources. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, online resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Costly Lexis and Westlaw, however other sites that have the freedom. I like the information and warnings through out the book too. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to a person that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known since laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know to be able to go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law would like to to research, what resources will help you with generate profits . to find, and being aware of your legal research subject. This is important, you wish to know what you are really in need of before planning 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, et cetera. Many attorneys will have a lot of your kinds of resources, and you will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides brief an assessment what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Tend to be some the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how uncover these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations together with other rules and ordinances. Both of these tend to be crucial depending on top of your particular factor. This chapter is a positive introduction to this world of “laws” for the people that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Some of our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that have previously been made a decision. These cases interpreted laws and are now 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 in the law collection.
Seven: Using Case . This chapter actually explains what a case is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter relies on case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the end earlier, so, as chapter goes further in order to assist you retain all of your you have “good the legal system.” 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. An individual are wanting make in instances yourself, you need to be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the types of things lawyers know a number of laypeople typically.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to use. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is studies. Once you find the information, ought to put true find in written form for things that asked you to find thought. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough currently being the semester class most newbie law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and a legal court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and with an attorney at law.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach realistic to research. It’s very short, so it will provide the non-lawyer just a little example of how to in the law and do finding your solution.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. The next 100 plus pages is really a glossary, which a person does not need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually is sufffering from a simple legal dictionary that wont replace “Black’s” but decent resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, I do think this book could be very valuable for the individual that wants or needs to attempt legal research but does not know how to start. If you are required to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the manner for you. It is a very good description belonging to the legal research process for any without a law degree.