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 when you got out and started working towards. Many firms have much more the other, and I reckon that large firms may for you to both. Even with access a minimum of one of these, I find that I can often 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 all the time.

That’s exactly where book “Legal Research” accessible. It provides simple to follow research methods to help you answer your legal questions. System has sections for on-line research also as information regarding law libraries for people who have to be able to one.

The book consists of 386 pages divided among ten information packed sections. The chapters include:
One: Understanding the Basics from the Law. Brief descriptions of what the law is, involving 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 may be a good introduction.

Two: Finding Legal Products. This chapter explains where legal information and facts is located, primary and secondary sources, internet resources for legal topics, and legal research websites. It offers Lexis and Westlaw, but also other sites that are free of charge. I like the tips and warnings through out the book also. Good caution that every opinion you find is good law. Obvious to somebody that had it drilled into them during law school, but probably not known numerous laypeople.

Three: Identifying Your Legal Issue. Things to know to be able to go looking, like will be the case civil or criminal, figuring the actual area of law you want to research, what resources will assist you with what you need to find, and figuring out your legal research ponder. This is important, you want to know what you’re really seeking before you travel searching.

Four: Finding and Using Secondary Vendors. This chapter explores sources such understanding of 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 law firm will have a lot of these kinds of resources, may 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. Are generally generally the almost all legislatively or administratively created law. This chapter explains how to obtain these resources and strategies for them. It covers finding and using constitutions, finding federal statutes, finding state statutes, understanding them, finding regulations along with rules and ordinances. All the these are essential depending on your own own particular factor. This chapter is an honest introduction to this world of “laws” for the people that are charting unfamiliar territory.

Six: Finding Cases. Some of our law is not found in statutes, however in the decisions of cases that have already 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 one of a famous case which usually is looked to regarding abortion law. This chapter helps the reader learn tips on how to use citations to find cases, find cases around the internet, find cases in the law catalogue.

Seven: Using Case Legal system. This chapter Indian law library actually explains what an instance is, the way that they are published, and how cases affect later quarrels. If you matter relies upon case law, this chapter will aid you.
Eight: Validating Your Analysis. I pointed out the tip earlier, review chapter goes further support you specialist you have “good legal.” It teaches you how to Shepardize a Case, a procedure we lawyers use to create the cases we are relying on are still good. Purchasing are trying to make a suit yourself, you need to be sure you are relying on “good policies.” These are the kinds of things lawyers know that many laypeople can’t.

Nine: Organizing and Putting Your Legal Research make use of. One thing clerks, legal interns, and associates spend a lot of time doing is research. Once you find the information, you put genuine find in written form for things that asked you find getting this done. This chapter provides essentials for writing a legal memorandum. Not quite as thorough as the semester class most first year law students take, but good for that non-lawyer. Can be a brief section about going to the court and the court process resulting in a couple pages on finding and working with an attorney at law.

Ten: Research Hypothetical and Memorandum. Maybe it is because lawyer improve by case studies and examples that this chapter any research problem, how to discover the facts, and then how to approach the question to studying. It’s very short, that this will necessary non-lawyer just a little example of methods to with the law and try finding your answer.

The book chapters stop here on-page 255. The other 100 plus pages is a glossary, which a person does not need whether they have had a legal dictionary. Nolo actually is sufffering from a simple legal dictionary which don’t replace “Black’s” but is an efficient resource. Plus there is 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 doesn’t know where do you start. If you have to do-it-yourself, information can lead the way. It is a very good description of this legal research process for everyone without a law degree.