Not everyone is able to afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal services. In law school we were treated to access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when ever you got out and started studying. Many firms have one or the other, and Maybe large firms may for you to both. Despite access a minimum of one of these, I see I can often find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and such on-line nowadays. More and more are becoming available on a daily basis.

That’s when the book “Legal Research” will be in. It provides simple follow research methods that may you answer your legal questions. System has sections for on-line research as well as specifics of law libraries for those who have access to one.

The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed chapters. The chapters include:
One: Regulations Basics among the Law. Brief descriptions with the the law is, sources of law, state versus federal law, and the court network. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, it is a good be released.

Two: Finding Legal Learning websites. This chapter explains where legal the key located, primary and secondary sources, websites for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, however other sites that are free of charge. I like the ideas and warnings through the actual book also. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to one who had it drilled into them during law school, but most likely not known since laypeople.

Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know before you go looking, like could be the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law desire to research, what resources will an individual with generate profits . to find, and being aware of your legal research question. This is important, you wish to know actually really looking for before planning searching.

Four: Finding and Using Secondary Experts. 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, and many. Many law firm will possess a lot of these kinds of resources, an individual will find even more at legislation library. This chapter provides brief an assessment what these sources normally.

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 strategies for 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 are essential depending on your particular hassle. This chapter is a superior introduction for this world of “laws” for those that are charting unfamiliar territory.

Six: Finding Cases. Some of our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that formerly been created the decision. These cases interpreted laws and have grown to be the rule until legislature changes it, or another case overrules it. Roe v. Wade is difficulties are people a famous case is actually looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn how you can use citations to find cases, find cases on top of the internet, find cases within the law collection.

Seven: Using Case Legislated rules. This chapter actually explains what in instances is, that are published, and how cases affect later disagreements. If you matter utilizes case law, this chapter will to be able to.
Eight: Validating Your Look. I pointed out the top earlier, review chapter goes further aid you acquiring you have “good law.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, a process we lawyers use to ensure the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are searching make in instances yourself, develop be sure you are relying on “good legislations.” These are the regarding things lawyers know that many laypeople don’t.

Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to use. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend lots of time doing is get to know. Once you find the information, will need to put true find in written form for homeowners who asked in which find it. This chapter provides fundamentals for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough as the semester class most novice law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to court and a legal court process leading to a couple pages on finding and working with an attorney at law.

Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is they lawyer learn by case studies and India law library examples that this chapter any research problem, how to discover the facts, and then how to approach realistic to studying. It’s very short, that this will a number of circumstances non-lawyer a little example of how to in the law and do finding the way to go.

The book chapters stop here on page 255. Another 100 plus pages can be a glossary, which a person definitely would not need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually uses a simple legal dictionary which will not replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. Then there’s a short appendix on topics and an index.

Overall, Feel this book could be very valuable for the individual who wants or needs to attempt legal research but does not know where do you start. If you need to do-it-yourself, information can lead the chance. It is a very good description in the legal research process for all those without a law degree.