Introduction to Legal Research

Introduction to Legal Research
Designed as a quick‑reference guide for law students, paralegals, and anyone beginning to navigate legal sources.

1. What Is Legal Research?

2. The Legal Research Process (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Identify the Legal Issue

   • Read the fact pattern carefully.
   • Break it down into discrete questions (e.g., “Is the contract enforceable?”).
   • Use the IRAC framework (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) to structure the issue.

2. Determine the Jurisdiction & Time Frame

   • Jurisdiction: Federal, state, local, or foreign law.
   • Temporal scope: Is the law current, or do you need historical versions?

3. Select Primary Sources

   • Statutes & Codes – legislative enactments.
   • Case Law – judicial opinions.
   • Regulations – agency rules interpreting statutes.
   • Constitutions – federal and state.

4. Locate Secondary Sources (for background, analysis, and citation support)

   • Treatises, law review articles, legal encyclopedias (e.g., American Jurisprudence), practice guides, and restatements.

5. Choose Research Tools

   • Print (law libraries, digests).
   • Online databases – Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law, Google Scholar, CourtListener, PACER, state court portals.
   • Free resources – Cornell’s Legal Information Institute (LII), Justia, GovInfo, public‑policy sites.

6. Conduct the Search

   • Start broad, then narrow using keywords, Boolean operators, and citation filters.
   • Use key numbers (West) or headnotes (Lexis) to locate relevant case law.
   • Verify that the material is still good law (no subsequent overruling, amendment, or expiration).

7. Analyze & Synthesize

   • Read primary authority fully; note holdings, reasoning, and dicta.
   • Compare conflicting cases; determine controlling precedent.
   • Integrate secondary commentary to fill gaps or explain complex doctrines.

8. Cite Properly

   • Follow the citation style required (most U.S. jurisdictions use The Bluebook, while others may use ALWD or local rules).
   • Include parallel citations when required (e.g., reporter and regional reporter).

9. Update the Research

   • Run a Shepard’s/KeyCite check or equivalent to confirm that the authority remains valid up to the present date.

10. Draft the Output

    • Organize findings into a memorandum, brief, or opinion.
    • Use headings, sub‑headings, and bullet points for readability.
    • Attach a Table of Authorities if required.

3. Primary Sources – Quick Reference