Online Legal Research Lessons

Legal Research is the process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making. It involves finding sources of law, legal precedents, and legal arguments that are relevant to a specific legal issue or case. This research is fundamental in legal studies and practice, as it helps in understanding the law, preparing for litigation, and making informed legal arguments.

Studying Legal Research is crucial for law students as it equips them with the skills needed to effectively find and interpret legal resources. It is essential for building strong legal arguments, understanding case law, and staying updated with the latest legal developments. Mastery of legal research techniques is also a key competency for legal practitioners, as it underpins all aspects of legal work.

Primary sources of law include statutes, case law (judicial decisions), and regulations. These sources are the official, authoritative statements of law and are essential for understanding the legal framework of a jurisdiction. Legal researchers often start with these primary sources to establish the legal foundation of their arguments or to understand the legal principles governing a case.

Secondary sources in Legal Research are materials that discuss, explain, analyse, or critique the law, such as legal textbooks, law review articles, and legal encyclopaedias. These sources provide context, interpretation, and critical analysis of legal principles and are invaluable for understanding complex legal issues. They are often used to find references to primary sources and to gain a deeper understanding of a legal topic.

Technology has significantly transformed Legal Research, making it more efficient and accessible. Online legal databases and search tools allow for quick retrieval of legal documents and case law. This technological advancement has also enabled the use of advanced search algorithms and AI to analyse legal texts, making the research process more comprehensive and less time-consuming.

Effective Legal Research requires analytical skills to understand and interpret legal texts, attention to detail for thorough examination of legal documents, and critical thinking to evaluate and synthesise legal information. It also involves organisational skills to manage and structure the research findings, and communication skills to present the research in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. Additionally, proficiency in using legal databases and research tools is essential in the modern legal landscape.

Legal Research skills are highly valuable outside the legal field, particularly in roles that require analytical thinking, problem-solving, and meticulous research abilities. These skills are beneficial in sectors like journalism, policy analysis, and business, where understanding legal frameworks and regulations is crucial. Furthermore, the ability to interpret and analyse complex information is a transferable skill valuable in many professional contexts.

Law students typically conduct Legal Research by first identifying the legal issue or question they need to address. They then use a combination of primary and secondary sources, starting with secondary sources for background understanding and then moving to primary sources for authoritative legal information. Law students also rely on legal databases and libraries to access a wide range of legal materials.

A law librarian plays a crucial role in Legal Research by assisting students and legal professionals in finding and using legal resources effectively. They are experts in navigating legal databases, organising legal materials, and providing guidance on research methodologies. Law librarians also stay updated on the latest legal publications and technologies, making them valuable assets in the research process.

Common legal databases used in Legal Research include Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline. These databases provide access to a vast array of legal materials, including case law, statutes, legal journals, and other legal writings. They are essential tools for legal professionals and students, offering advanced search capabilities and up-to-date legal information.