Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal resources. In law school we’d access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty because you got out and started training. Many firms have much more the other, and I suppose large firms may subscribe to both. Even with access to one of these, I find that I might find things faster and much 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 if the book “Legal Research” obtainable. It provides to be able to follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. The book has sections for on-line research also as Company Vakil law library information regarding law libraries for people that have to be able to one.
The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Comprehending the Basics of the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, associated with law, state versus federal law, as well as the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, but for the layperson the book was written for, this is the good rewards.
Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal facts are located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that are free of charge. I like the guidelines and warnings through out the book as well. Good caution doesn’t every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known numerous laypeople.
Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know an individual go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring out the area of law would like to to research, what resources will allow you with may well be a to find, and finding out your legal research ponder. This is important, you want to know actually really hunting for before you go searching.
Four: Finding and Using Secondary Sources. This chapter explores sources such exactly how resources (including a bit about deciding if reliable), self-help legal books, legal encyclopedias, form books, practice manuals, continuing legal education publications, law reviews, as well as the. Many attorneys will have a lot top kinds of resources, and you will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides brief an assessment what these sources might be.
Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. Of the 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 together with other rules and ordinances. Each of these are vital depending on your particular issue. This chapter is an efficient introduction for this world of “laws” for all those that are charting unfamiliar territory.
Six: Finding Cases. Much of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have previously been figured. These cases interpreted laws and have been the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is individuals 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 around the internet, find cases inside of law study.
Seven: Using Case Statute. This chapter actually explains what in a situation is, that are published, and how cases affect later differences. If you matter depends upon case law, this chapter will help you.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the top earlier, see chapter goes further support you acquiring you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you the best way to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to make sure the cases we are relying on are still good. An individual are searching make a case yourself, will have to be sure you are relying on “good law.” These are the regarding things lawyers know a number of laypeople typically.
Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research using. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you put genuine find in written form for things that asked in order to find thought. This chapter provides the fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough even though 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 leading to a couple pages on finding and dealing with a personal injury lawyer.
Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how to find the facts, and then how to approach motor oil to become familiar with. It’s very short, the software will supply the non-lawyer just a little example of how to in the law and begin finding your answer.
The book chapters stop here onpage 255. Your next 100 plus pages can be a glossary, that your person definitely would not need when they have a legal dictionary. Nolo actually possess a simple legal dictionary which will not replace “Black’s” but is the best resource. Then there is a short appendix on topics also index.
Overall, I think this book could be very valuable for the person who wants or needs to do legal research but does not know the place to begin. If you need to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the way. It is a very good description in the legal research process for everyone without a law degree.