Basic Legal Research

Basic Legal Research Workbook, Fourth Edition, teaches students about the research process and the scope and organization of research materials available to them. With balanced coverage of traditional print and current electronic sources, this proven-effective workbook encourages independent, experiential learning through well-crafted problems that develop gradually in complexity. Now in its fourth edition, this thoughtful revision features a new page design that is exceptionally attractive and readable. Updated throughout, with new problem sets for all of the exercises, the Fourth Edition covers the latest user interface improvements from WestlawNext and LexisNexis. Basic Legal Research Workbook, now in its Fourth Edition, continues to build on its strengths: a logical, intuitive organization coverage that mirrors research sources typically studied in first-year Legal Research, including both traditional and electronic sources library exercises, presented at graduating levels of difficulty, from basic source exercises to those requiring more advanced research skills print assignments that can work in multiple jurisdictions, reducing the demand on single library sources New to the Fourth Edition: an attractive, new, and even easier to use page design instruction and exercises that teach the new user interface enhancements from WestlawNext and LexisNexis updated problem sets for all exercises

For clear and accessible step-by-step instruction on the basics of legal research, you can count on this thorough revision of a popular paperback text, Basic Legal Research: Tools and Strategies, Second Edition . In addition to teaching critical legal skills, The author fosters confidence through: a building-block approach that breaks the material into discrete and comprehensible parts self-contained chapters on individual research sources And The research process that remain useful regardless of how a professor teaches research comprehensive coverage of electronic research that allows professors to introduce as much - or as little - of the topic as they choose end-of-chapter checklists, clear examples, and summary charts to reinforce learning and facilitate teaching helpful graphics -such as sample pages and examples of research sources - throughout the text the Second Edition responds to both user feedback and developments in the field, with several significant changes: revised and updated coverage of electronic legal research, reflecting the many developments in this area updated citation sections now include the ALWD Citation Manual more information on state statutes new coverage of procedural rules

This best-selling coursebook on legal research is known for its clear, step-by-step instruction in the basics. Using a building-block approach, Basic Legal Research: Tools and Strategies, Eighth Edition breaks material into discrete, readily comprehensible parts. Ideal as a course book or reference, this text emphasizes online research, with targeted coverage of print materials. Its comprehensive coverage and self-contained chapters offer flexibility to fit a variety of course structures. Useful pedagogy throughout the text includes end-of-chapter checklists, clear examples, and summary charts. Helpful sample pages and examples of research sources guide students through the presentation, and an accompanying workbook provides exercises to test comprehension and to apply legal research tools and strategies. New to the Eighth Edition: Completely revised material throughout, providing thorough instruction in the latest features and functions of the main research platforms. Updated coverage includes Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg Law. Instruction now fully oriented toward online research: Early chapters address online search strategies and use sample searches to illustrate how to draft a word search. Chapters on individual sources focus primarily on online search techniques while still incorporating targeted descriptions of print sources. Citation explanations cover both the ALWD Guide to Legal Citation (7th ed.) and the Bluebook (21st ed.). New material on citation literacy explains how citation formats communicate weight of authority. Professors and student will benefit from: Clear, step-by-step instruction covering the basics of legal research A building-block approach that breaks the material into discrete and comprehensible parts Self-contained chapters on research sources that make the book adaptable to any type of legal research course End-of-chapter checklists, numerous examples, and summary charts that aid in understanding, retention, and review Updated sample pages, screen shots, and references to research sources

With a balance of traditional print and current electronic sources, the Revised Fourth Edition of BASIC LEGAL RESEARCH WORKBOOK encourages independent, experiential learning. Proven effective in the classroom, the authors carefully developed problems gradually progress from introductory to more complex. Whether accompanying Amy Sloan s BASIC LEGAL RESEARCH: TOOLS AND STRATEGIES, Sixth Edition, or any other legal research text, these exercises provide hands-on practice throughout the course that will serve students well in their careers as lawyers. Hallmarks of Basic Legal Research Workbook: Coverage that mirrors the research sources studied in first-year Legal Research courses, including both print and electronic sources A logical and intuitive organization Library exercises, presented at graduating levels of difficulty, from basic searches to those requiring more advanced research skills Print assignments that can work in multiple jurisdictions, reducing the demand on single library sources Building on its strengths, the timely Revised Fourth Edition includes updated electronic research exercises that progressively instruct students on the latest interface features from WestlawNext and Lexis Advance.

"Legal Research and Writing, Third Edition" seeks to explain the practical skills needed for print and online legal research and for legal writing. It provides a current and comprehensive look at the topic, consolidating information on legal research and writing into one handy, easy-to-use resource. The book is written for both seasoned practitioners, seeking to add the latest sources and techniques to their research arsenals, and for beginning law students who face a bewildering array of information. It includes chapters on legal research malpractice, the acquisition of research resources, and knowledge management. In addition, it covers searching the new platforms of the major proprietary online legal databases, the increasing digitization of legal materials, and the Web 2.0. "Legal Research and Writing" is the most up-to-date book of its kind available in Canada today.

Basic Legal Writing for Paralegals, Sixth Edition, teaches students the skills they need to effectively work with cases, legal authorities, documents, and professional correspondence. Samborn and Yelin guide students through the writing process, using the objective memo as a teaching tool. At every stage of a well-defined writing process, the authors provide lucid explanations, visual aids, and plenty of examples. With practice exercises throughout the book, students can develop the skills that will become indispensable to their careers as paralegals. New to the Sixth Edition: New and refreshed exercises Streamlined presentation, making the material even more accessible and teachable Updated website resources Revised and updated chapter on Case Briefing and Analysis Expanded coverage of email and e-memos Professors and students will benefit from: Thorough and readable coverage of case briefs, legal memoranda, correspondence, and persuasive writing A practical approach that emphasizes the role of the paralegal, and how different types of legal writing are used in practice Step-by-step instruction that guides students through every stage of the writing process, from pre-writing planning to drafting and revising An overview of the legal system that shows how different forms of legal writing are used in different contexts Synthesizing and presenting legal authorities How to use the IRAC method of legal analysis Examples, exhibits, writing tips, exercises, ethics alerts, practice pointers, and web resources Additional student resources in its appendices on citation rules and writing strategies

Texas Legal Research, Second Edition, is a practical, process-oriented guide to the skills and resources necessary to research Texas law. The book is designed for teaching first-year students, either as a stand-alone text or in conjunction with a research text focusing on federal law. The book is also suitable for use in advanced legal research courses. Others who will find the book useful include practitioners, paralegals, college students, laypersons, and anyone needing a concise handbook on how to find and use Texas legal materials. The book begins by explaining the nature and types of legal authority. The process of legal research and control of legal research projects are described in the first chapter, with an emphasis on the integral nature of legal research and legal analysis. These concepts are revisited and reinforced throughout the book. The second chapter explains basic principles underlying legal research, factors to consider in choosing whether to search online or in print, and techniques to add power and precision to legal research. Since students often use online research tools from the beginning of their studies, the second chapter also introduces online searching techniques and principles. Research using print and online resources is explained for each type of legal resource throughout the book. The order of coverage of types of legal authority has been substantially changed in the second edition, in order to track the author's recommended research process. Secondary materials are now addressed in chapter 3, followed by chapters devoted to the resources and techniques of constitutional research, statutory research, legislative history research, administrative agency law research, and case law research. The second edition adds an entirely new chapter on Texas local government law research. The historical and governmental roots of Texas legal resources are traced for each type of primary law. Updating techniques are explained in context for each type of legal material and a chapter is devoted to the use of online citators. An appendix explains the basics of legal citation, the use of the Greenbook and the Bluebook, special rules of Texas citation, and the ALWD Guide to Legal Citation. The second edition contains a new appendix discussing techniques for searching directly in the online case databases included in Westlaw, Lexis Advance, and Bloomberg Law. Most chapters contain tables with step-by-step guides to research in particular types of legal resources, as well as summaries of other critical information. Screenshots and images of research materials are included to illustrate the lessons of the text. For each type of resource, research in federal law is addressed following the discussion of research in Texas law. This book is part of the Legal Research Series, edited by Suzanne E. Rowe, Director of Legal Research and Writing, University of Oregon School of Law.