Not everyone can afford Lexis or Westlaw, the two biggest subscriber based on-line legal information. In law school we’d access to both, because both companies wanted to earn your loyalty when ever you got out and started training. Many firms have one or the other, and I suppose large firms may in order to both. Despite access a minimum of one of these, I realize that I can sometimes find things faster and simpler with free resources. Many states have statutes and the like on-line these days. More and more are becoming available normally.

That’s area book “Legal Research” obtainable. It provides simple follow research methods to help you answer your legal questions. In an effort to has sections for on-line research too as info on 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 with the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, regarding law, state versus federal law, and the court routine. Too basic for an attorney, however for the layperson the book was written for, this may be a good introduction.

Two: Finding Legal Websites. This chapter explains where legal results are located, primary and secondary sources, internet recommon law library sources for legal topics, and legal research websites. Consists of Lexis and Westlaw, however additionally other sites that are free of charge. I like the information and warnings through out the book as well. Good caution does not every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to another kid that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known since laypeople.

Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. In order to know in order to go looking, like is the case civil or criminal, figuring the area of law would like to to research, what resources will assist you with the simple fact is to find, and working out your legal research subject. This is important, you need to know that which you are really seeking before planning searching.

Four: Finding and Using Secondary Information. 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 so on. Many attorneys will have a lot top kinds of resources, an individual will find even more at a law library. This chapter provides for a brief overview of what these sources are typically.

Five: Finding and Using Constitutions, Statutes, Regulations, and Ordinances. These are the majority of legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how identify these resources and how to use them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations and also other rules and ordinances. All of these are essential depending against your particular provide. This chapter is an efficient introduction for this world of “laws” for the people that are charting unfamiliar territory.

Six: Finding Cases. Quantity our law is not found in statutes, but in the decisions of cases that formerly been planned. 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 you can use citations to find cases, find cases on your internet, find cases your law study.

Seven: Using Case Law. This chapter actually explains what an instance is, that are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter depends on case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the end earlier, and this chapter goes further support you retain all of your you have “good the legal system.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, a task we lawyers use to ensure the cases we are relying on are still good. Prone to are searching make a suit yourself, you’ll want to be sure you are relying on “good policies.” These are the associated with things lawyers know plenty of laypeople can’t.

Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research to be able to. 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 you to find thought. This chapter provides the basics for writing a legal memorandum. Much less thorough even though the semester class most 1st year law students take, but good for the non-lawyer. There is a brief section about going to court and the legal court process and approximately a couple pages on finding and working with a legal practitioner.

Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is mainly because lawyer learn by case studies and examples that this chapter supplies a research problem, how find the facts, and then how to approach the question to research. It’s very short, it will a number of circumstances non-lawyer just a little example of methods to with the law and try finding the way to go.

The book chapters stop here on page 255. The following 100 plus pages can be a glossary, that your person commonly need they were a legal dictionary. Nolo actually comes with a simple legal dictionary that wont replace “Black’s” but is a superb resource. There is a short appendix on topics and an index.

Overall, Folks this book could be very valuable for the one who wants or needs complete legal research but doesn’t know where to begin. If you are forced to do-it-yourself, this guide can lead the chance. It is a very good description for this legal research process for everyone without a law degree.