Not everyone is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal web sites. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty for when you got out and started training. Many firms have much more the other, and I’m assuming large firms may for you to both. Even with access to at least of these, I see I can sometimes find things faster and easier with free resources. Many states have statutes etc on-line these days. More and more are becoming available all the time.
That’s if the book “Legal Research” comes in. It provides easy to follow research methods enable you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research too as the specifics of law libraries for people who have to be able to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten India law library information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Knowing Basics of your Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this can be a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Resources. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. It includes Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that are free. I like the information and warnings through the book also. Good caution that 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 to many laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know before you go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law extra flab to research, what resources will a person to with generate profits . to find, and working out your legal research subject. This is important, you need to know actually really in need of before proceeding 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 many. Many law firm will have a lot in their kinds of resources, and will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides brief a closer look at what these sources are.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to find these resources and guidelines them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations together with other rules and ordinances. All the these are crucial depending on your own own particular hassle. This chapter is a good introduction to this world of “laws” for all those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that 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 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 collection.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what a case is, where did they are published, and how cases affect later disputes. If you matter relies upon case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Search for. I pointed out the tip earlier, and this chapter goes further aid you acquiring you have “good guideline.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, an operation we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are striving to make in a situation yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good laws.” These are the forms of things lawyers know plenty of laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research unit. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is studies. Once you find the information, have to put people find in written form for those asked a person find it. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough currently being the semester class most novice law students take, but good for your non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and the court process leading to a couple pages on finding and working with a lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is really because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter a new research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach realistic to research. It’s very short, and so it will supply the non-lawyer a little example of methods to look at the law and try finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The other 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person commonly need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually has a simple legal dictionary that won’t replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. Plus there is a short appendix on topics plus an index.
Overall, I do think 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 have to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the chance. It is a very good description of the legal research process for everyone without a law degree.