Question Description
Follow the instructions from this module and do each:
- Search online for the Alameda County Law Library.
- Find the Reference Librarian Resources
- Take a screen shot picture or cut and paste what services the Librarian can and cannot do.
following is the lecture online:
Introduction to Legal Research
A key component of a case is the research. But research is a tool and not the case itself. As with the other stages of argument development, research is invaluable if one knows how to do it with purpose. Your research results are tools that elucidate your argument; they do not comprise the case itself.
Each case is unique to that client and dispute. So your facts should guide the research of legal issues. By framing your facts and argument around the results of your research, you risk overlooking creative key avenues for success.
Our goal is to: For this reason, research is time worth well spent. But it must be done methodically and with purpose; it otherwise can overtake all other stages.
You will:
- Identify optimal and practical research results, including extra-legal sources
- Understand the significance of mandatory v. non-mandatory authorities
- Understand how to develop an argument that another court has referenced (aka "harvesting" arguments)
- Understand the impediments to effective digital research
- Understand how to conduct digital research more effectively
Lesson Note:
Make sure you are comfortable with all the research tools – books and online. Even if your habit is to use one research tool over another, your use must be based on a concerted decision from knowing the pros and cons of each source.
Also, efficiency is key. So at each stage of research, paralegals and attorneys must keep track of their research. In real practice, you would want to keep track of your research using a research plan like the below (outlining: the case issues; what you hope to find through your research regarding that issue; and what sources you will look to)
| Case Fact/Issue | Anticipated Finding/Review of issue | Sources | |
| 1. example. | physical labor required in position | whether comparable position requires the exact same job duties | case law (ADA, employment discrim.); statute … |
| 2. example. | '' | '' | '' |
To Do: |
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Watch:
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Read: |
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Law libraries are usual sources of information. Not only do they have the necessary legal books, but law librarians usually have J.D. law school degrees. So they can be a great source of information and can assist you with your research. Law libraries also give you free access to the expensive legal search engines outlined below.
Paralegals should visit their local law library to familiarize themselves with the location and hours. Here are the two local libraries |
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The two main for-pay legal resources are: Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis. Since law firms rarely have both sources, you must have at least a working familiarity with both Lexis and Westlaw. And some firms have a pay-per-search plan. So take a moment (even briefly) to get an overview of the benefits of each of Lexis and Westlaw. There is no need to take notes or memorize the videos. To illustrate, Westlaw
Lexis/Nexis
Optional
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There are also free search engines: |
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Use any or all of these websites to look up legal terms and concepts.
A not-for-profit that believes everyone should be able to read and understand the laws, without cost. They publish law online; create materials that help people understand law; and explore new technologies that make it easier for people to find the law. Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, Justia's mission is to advance the availability of legal resources for the benefit of society. TheLawDictionary.org is a free legal resource on the internet featuring professionally written legal definitions as well as the complete Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Edition.
FindLaw, a part of Thomson provides online legal information and services for lawyers, businesses, and individuals. Nolo's mission is to help consumers and small businesses find answers to their everyday legal and business questions. A comprehensive free online legal dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedia. Law.com provides timely legal news and analysis as well as a legal dictionary. |
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