Introduction to Legal Research

Introduction to Legal Research
Your quick‑reference guide to finding, analyzing, and using legal authority.

1. What Is Legal Research?

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

1. Identify the Legal Issue

   • Break the problem into facts and legal questions.
   • Use “IRAC” (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) as a mental checklist.

2. Develop a Research Plan

   • List keywords, synonyms, and relevant jurisdictions.
   • Decide on primary vs. secondary sources.

3. Locate Primary Authority

   • Statutes & Codes – federal, state, local.
   • Regulations – administrative agencies.
   • Case Law – appellate decisions.
   • Constitutions – federal and state.

4. Consult Secondary Authority (to understand context & locate primary sources)

   • Treatises, law review articles, practice guides, encyclopedias, annotations, Restatements.

5. Analyze & Synthesize

   • Read the material, extract the rule, note exceptions, and assess relevance to your facts.

6. Update the Law

   • Verify that the authority is still good law (no overruling, amendment, or negative treatment).
   • Tools: citators (e.g., Shepard’s, KeyCite), court websites, legislative histories.

7. Organize Findings

   • Create a research memo or briefing note with headings: Issue, Relevant Authority, Analysis, Conclusion.

8. Cite Properly

   • Follow the citation style required (Bluebook, ALWD, local court rules).

3. Types of Legal Sources

4. Research Tools & Databases