Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal services. In law school we had access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started could. Many firms have one or the other, and I reckon that large firms may in order to both. Even with access to one of these, I discovered that I can sometimes 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 all the time.
That’s if the book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides simple follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research also as specifics of law libraries for those that have in order to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Regulations Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, sources of law, state versus federal law, as well as the court unit. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good be released.
Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. Costly Lexis and Westlaw, furthermore other sites that are free. I like the guidelines and warnings through the book as well. Good caution not every opinion you find is good Indian law library. Obvious to a person that had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known numerous laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know to be able to go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law you want to research, what resources will a person to with try not to to find, and deciding on your legal research subject. This is important, you want to know what you’re really hunting for before you go 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, et cetera. Many law firm will possess a lot top kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides a brief overview of what these sources normally.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Are generally generally the bulk of 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 other rules and ordinances. All the these are crucial depending into your particular hassle. This chapter is a superior introduction for 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 have previously been made a decision. These cases interpreted laws and have been the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is in the following paragraphs a famous case is actually looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how to use citations to find cases, find cases on the internet, find cases in the law collection.
Seven: Using Case Legislated rules. This chapter actually explains what in a situation is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will assist.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the top earlier, review chapter goes further to help you guaranteed that you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you ways to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. If you are wanting make a suit yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know lots of laypeople never.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to be able to. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is get to know. Once you find the information, you must put genuine find in written form for things that asked you find getting this done. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not as thorough when your semester class most newbie law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. However a brief section about going to court and the judge process leading to a couple pages on finding and dealing with an attorney at law.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is 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, that this will a number of circumstances non-lawyer a little example of methods to the the law and go about finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here on-page 255. Another 100 plus pages is a glossary, that your person usually need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary that will not replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. Then there’s a short appendix on topics also index.
Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the individual that wants or needs to enjoy legal research but doesn’t know where to start. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the way. It is a very good description in the legal research process for any without a law degree.