Volume II, Chapter §2.1
The Foundations of Legal Research |
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The Theory of Legal Research
Introduction
The theory of legal research.
This is an incredibly powerful concept. Part of its power is in its simplicity. So do yourself a favor. Learn it now! (You'll thank us later.)
Traditional Research:
Index to Main Volume to Additional Authority
or
Online Research:
Search Query to Results Page to Relevant Authority
Paralegal Perspectives . . .
LEGAL RESEARCH
Legal research is the cutting edge for paralegals. Research can win or lose a client's case. Not all paralegals research, but having the skill not only makes a paralegal more well rounded, it provides a means for a paralegal to expand his or her knowledge regarding a specific area of law. Also, as we will see later, research is about more than simply finding cases and statutes. Research can involve becoming educated about a legal topic, or finding a form from which to create a legal document. So work hard to develop your research skills. They will form a foundation upon which other skills will be based.
Lecture Notes . . .
The Unified Theory of Legal Research
Using the above unifying theory will help make the process much easier to grasp. As you begin to learn the complex skills of legal research, remember the following:
Don't make it harder than it is
There are many hints and techniques that make researching easier provided in this course.
- Always start in the index (or if online, with a search query)
- Use headnotes to identify relevant parts of a case
- Let research systems do the work for you
- Rely on the authority to do the
legal writing for you
These are just a fraction of the tips that will be provided. But they will do no good unless you pay attention to them, and use them!
Be patient
You are at the very beginning of the process. Don't get frustrated. There is plenty of time. The materials will be presented to you throughout the program. Learn each one, and keep utilizing each one throughout the course, because you will be expected to know all of them by the end of the program. But for now, one step at a time!
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