Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal web sites. In law school there were access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when 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 1 of these, I recognize that I can frequently find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line these days. More and more are becoming available quite frequently.
That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” will be in. It provides easy to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research as well as info on law libraries for those who have use of one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Learning the Basics among the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, associated with law, state versus federal law, along with the court structure. 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 the key located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, additionally other sites that are free of charge. I like the ideas and warnings through the actual book too. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known ordinarily laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know to be able to go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law desire to research, what resources will assist you with the simple fact is to find, and finding out your legal research question. This is important, you need to know actually really seeking before you decide to searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. 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 common law library publications, law reviews, and so on. Many lawyers will have a lot top kinds of resources, may will find even more at legislation library. This chapter gives a brief report on what these sources are typically.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Components the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to these resources and protect yourself with them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also other rules and ordinances. Each of these are essential depending on top of your particular factor. This chapter is a positive introduction to this world of “laws” for anyone that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Some of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have already been planned. These cases interpreted laws and currently employ the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is individuals a famous case of which may be looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how you can use citations to find cases, find cases on the internet, find cases inside of law archive.
Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what a case is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Research. I pointed out the tip earlier, see chapter goes further that can you make sure you have “good law.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. An individual are planning to make in instances yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the regarding things lawyers know plenty of laypeople typically.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to be able to. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, will need to put true find in written form for things that asked a person find getting this done. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough currently being the semester class most novice law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to the court and the court process contributing to a couple pages on finding and with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is because lawyer overcome case studies and examples that this chapter the research problem, how learn the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to research. It’s very short, the software will provide the non-lawyer a little example of how to look at the law and try finding the way to go.
The book chapters stop here on page 255. The other 100 plus pages is often a glossary, that your person would not need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but decent resource. There is a short appendix on topics along with an index.
Overall, I do think this book could be very valuable for the one who wants or needs to enjoy legal research but does not know how to start. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the chance. It is a very good description of the legal research process for all those without a law degree.