Legal Research

by Putman, William H.

• ISBN13: 9781401879587
• ISBN10: 1401879586
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-07-11
• Publisher: CENGAGE Delmar Learning

Summary

This text is a rare and in-depth teaching tool covering every phase of the LEGAL RESEARCH process, including how to avoid wasted time and duplication of effort. Multiple examples, illustrations, and more assignments based on real life cases are contained in the text aiding in the instructor's teaching and the student's understanding of the concepts and principles taught in the chapters. The clearly presented, step-by-step treatment of material ensures that readers will understand all the facts, insights and knowledge presented to conduct effective and efficient LEGAL RESEARCH. A list of web sites complements the books content.

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
Chapter Features	xiv
Support Material	xv
Acknowledgments	xvi
About the Author	xvii
Table of Exhibits	xix
Table of Cases	xxiii
Introduction to Legal Principles and Authorities and the Research Process	1	(24)
Introduction	2	(1)
Sources of Law	3	(9)
Enacted Law	3	(2)
Common Law/Case Law	5	(7)
Hierarchy of the Law	12	(1)
Authority	12	(6)
Types of Authority	13	(2)
Role of Authority	15	(3)
Legal Research and Analysis Process	18	(1)
Part A---Analyze the Assignment	19	(1)
Part B---Conduct Research	19	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Researching the Law	19	(1)
Application	20	(5)
Summary	21	(1)
Chapter References	22	(1)
Internet Resources	23	(1)
Exercises	23	(2)
The Role of Key Terms and Key Facts in Legal Research	25	(22)
Introduction	26	(1)
Key Terms	26	(1)
Facts---In General	27	(1)
Facts---Definition	28	(1)
Importance of Facts	29	(1)
Types of Facts	30	(1)
Irrelevant Facts	30	(1)
Background Facts	30	(1)
Key Facts	31	(1)
Key Facts---Definition and Types	31	(2)
Definition	31	(1)
Types of Key Facts	32	(1)
Key Facts Identification---Client's Case	33	(3)
Step 1 Identify Each Cause of Action	33	(1)
Step 2 Determine the Elements	34	(1)
Step 3 List All Facts Related to the Elements	34	(1)
Step 4 Determine Which Facts Apply	35	(1)
Multiple Issues	36	(1)
Key Facts Identification---Case Law	36	(3)
Step 1 Read the Entire Case	37	(1)
Step 2 Look to the Holding	38	(1)
Step 3 Identify the Key Facts	38	(1)
Multiple Issues	39	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Identifying Key Terms and Key Facts	39	(1)
Application	40	(7)
Client's Fact Situation	40	(1)
Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	41	(1)
Court Opinion	42	(2)
Summary	44	(1)
Chapter References	45	(1)
Internet Resources	45	(1)
Exercises	45	(2)
Issue Identification---Spotting the Issue	47	(24)
Introduction	48	(1)
Definition and Types	48	(1)
Elements	49	(3)
Applicable Law	49	(1)
Legal Question	50	(1)
Key Facts	50	(1)
Examples	50	(2)
Issue Identification---Client's Case	52	(5)
Step 1 Identify Each Type of Cause of Action	52	(1)
Step 2 Determine the Elements of Each Cause of Action	53	(1)
Step 3 Determine the Key Facts	54	(1)
Step 4 Assemble the Issue	55	(1)
Multiple Issues	56	(1)
Issue Identification---Case Law	57	(4)
Step 1 General Question	58	(1)
Step 2 Look to the Holding	59	(1)
Step 3 Assemble the Issue	60	(1)
Other Aids---Case Law Issue Identification	60	(1)
Multiple Issues	61	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Identifying the Issue	61	(1)
Application	62	(9)
Client's Fact Situation	62	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	63	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	64	(1)
Court Opinion	65	(4)
Summary	69	(1)
Chapter References	69	(1)
Internet Resources	69	(1)
Exercises	70	(1)
Constitutions, Statutes, Administrative Law, and Court Rules---Research and Analysis	71	(48)
Introduction	72	(1)
Anatomy of a Statute	72	(9)
Numbers	79	(1)
Short Title	79	(1)
Purpose Clause	79	(1)
Scope	79	(1)
Definitions	80	(1)
Substantive Provisions	80	(1)
Other Provisions	80	(1)
Annotations/Reference Information	80	(1)
Statutory Research---Locating Statutes	81	(12)
Federal Law	81	(10)
State Statutory Law and Codes	91	(1)
The Research Process---Techniques and Strategies	91	(2)
Computer-Aided Research	93	(1)
Ethics---Competence and Diligence	93	(1)
Administrative Law	93	(7)
Federal Administrative Law	94	(5)
State Administrative Law	99	(1)
Court Rules	100	(1)
Statutory Analysis---The Process	100	(7)
Step 1 Determine If the Statute Applies	101	(1)
Step 2 Analyze the Statute	102	(3)
Step 3 Apply the Statute to the Legal Problem or Issue	105	(2)
General Considerations	107	(3)
Legislative History	108	(1)
Canons of Construction	108	(2)
Key Points Checklist: Working with Statutes	110	(1)
Application	110	(9)
Chapter Hypothetical	110	(3)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	113	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	113	(1)
Summary	114	(1)
Chapter References	115	(1)
Internet Resources	115	(1)
Statutory Citation	116	(1)
Exercises	116	(3)
Case Law---Research and Briefing	119	(34)
Introduction	119	(1)
Court Opinions---In General	119	(3)
Court Opinions---Importance	122	(1)
Court Opinions---Elements	123	(4)
In General	123	(1)
Elements of a Reported Case	123	(4)
Court Opinions---Researching	127	(10)
Publication of Court Opinions	128	(7)
Researching Court Opinions---Locating Case Law	135	(2)
Court Opinions---Briefing (Case Brief)	137	(7)
Introduction	137	(1)
Importance of Briefing	137	(1)
How to Read a Case	138	(1)
Case Brief---Elements	138	(5)
Case Brief---Updating	143	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Locating, Reading, and Briefing Court Opinions	144	(1)
Application	144	(9)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	144	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	145	(1)
Brief of Rael v. Cadena	145	(1)
Brief of Sterling Computer Systems of Texas, Inc. v. Texas Pipe Bending Company	146	(3)
Summary	149	(1)
Chapter References	150	(1)
Internet Resources	150	(1)
Case Law Citation	150	(1)
Exercises	151	(2)
Case Law Analysis---Is a Case on Point?	153	(21)
Introduction	154	(1)
Definition---On Point	154	(1)
On Point---Importance	154	(2)
Precedent	155	(1)
Mandatory Precedent	155	(1)
Persuasive Precedent	155	(1)
Stare Decisis	156	(1)
Determining whether a Case Is on Point	156	(10)
Step 1 Are the Key Facts Sufficiently Similar?	157	(5)
Step 2 Are the Rules/Principles of Law Sufficiently Similar?	162	(4)
Key Points Checklist: Determining Whether a Case Is on Point	166	(1)
Application	167	(7)
Chapter Hypothetical	167	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	167	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	168	(1)
Libel Case	169	(2)
Summary	171	(1)
Chapter References	171	(1)
Internet Resources	171	(1)
Exercises	171	(3)
Secondary Authority and Other Research Sources---Encyclopedias, Treatises, American Law Reports, Digests, Shepard's	174	(50)
Introduction	175	(1)
Legal Encyclopedias	176	(9)
National Encyclopedias	177	(7)
State Encyclopedias	184	(1)
Treatises	185	(2)
Types and Features of Treatises	185	(1)
Research Using Treatises	185	(2)
American Law Reports	187	(9)
ALR Components	188	(6)
Research Using ALR	194	(2)
Digests	196	(12)
West Key-Number Digest System	197	(4)
Components of the West Digests	201	(2)
Types of Digests	203	(4)
Research Using Digests	207	(1)
Shepard's Citations	208	(11)
Format and Components of Shepard's Citations	209	(5)
Types of Shepard's Citations	214	(3)
Research Using Shepard's Citations	217	(2)
Key Points Checklist: Secondary Authority	219	(1)
Application	220	(4)
Chapter Hypothetical	220	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	220	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	221	(1)
Summary	221	(1)
Chapter References	222	(1)
Internet Resources	222	(1)
Citation	222	(1)
Exercises	222	(2)
Secondary Authority---Periodicals, Restatements, Uniform Laws, Dictionaries, Legislative History, and Other Secondary Authorities	224	(37)
Introduction	225	(1)
Legal Periodicals	225	(7)
Types of Legal Periodicals	226	(2)
Research Using Legal Periodicals	228	(4)
Restatements of the Law	232	(9)
Restatement Features	233	(1)
Research Using Restatements of the Law	233	(8)
Uniform Laws and Model Acts	241	(5)
Features of Uniform Laws and Model Acts	242	(1)
Research Using Uniform Laws and Model Acts	242	(4)
Dictionaries and Words and Phrases	246	(2)
Legal Dictionaries	246	(2)
Words and Phrases	248	(1)
Legislative History	248	(6)
Federal Legislative History Sources	248	(1)
Researching Federal Legislative History	249	(5)
State Legislative History	254	(1)
Jury Instructions and Other Research Sources	254	(2)
Jury Instructions	254	(1)
Practice and Form Books	254	(2)
Loose-Leaf Services	256	(1)
Presidential Materials	256	(1)
Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory	256	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Periodicals, Restatements, Uniform Laws, Dictionaries, Legislative History, and Other Secondary Authorities	256	(1)
Application	257	(4)
Chapter Hypothetical	257	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	257	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	258	(1)
Summary	258	(1)
Chapter References	258	(1)
Internet Resources	259	(1)
Citation	259	(1)
Exercises	260	(1)
Computer and Internet Research	261	(18)
Introduction	261	(2)
Ethics	262	(1)
Limitations	262	(1)
NonFee-Based Law-Related Web Sites	263	(11)
Search Terms	263	(1)
General Access and Links	264	(2)
Federal Government Sources	266	(3)
State Sources	269	(2)
Secondary Authority and Speciality Areas	271	(2)
Listservs	273	(1)
Organizations	274	(1)
CD-ROM	274	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Computers and Legal Research	275	(1)
Application	275	(4)
Chapter Hypothetical	275	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	275	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	276	(1)
Summary	276	(1)
Chapter References	277	(1)
Internet Resources	277	(1)
Citation	277	(1)
Exercises	277	(2)
Fee-Based Internet Research	279	(41)
Introduction	280	(1)
Westlaw	280	(16)
Signing On	280	(1)
Finding Primary Authority	280	(15)
Finding Secondary Authority	295	(1)
Printing and Saving	296	(1)
LexisNexis®	296	(15)
Signing On	296	(1)
Finding Primary Authority	296	(13)
Finding Secondary Authority	309	(1)
Printing and Saving	310	(1)
Westlaw or LexisNexis?	311	(1)
Loislaw	311	(5)
Signing On	311	(1)
Conducting Searches	311	(4)
Updating Research	315	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Fee-Based Internet Research	316	(1)
Application	316	(4)
Chapter Hypothetical	316	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	317	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	317	(1)
Summary	317	(1)
Chapter References	318	(1)
Internet Resources	318	(1)
Citation	318	(1)
Exercises	318	(2)
Legal Citation	320	(39)
Introduction	320	(2)
In General	320	(1)
The Bluebook and the ALWD Citation Manual	321	(1)
Primary Authority	322	(14)
Case Law	323	(8)
Constitutions	331	(1)
Statutory Law	332	(3)
Rules of Evidence and Procedure	335	(1)
Administrative Law	335	(1)
Secondary Authority	336	(4)
American Law Reports	336	(1)
Legal Dictionary	337	(1)
Legal Encyclopedia	337	(1)
Periodicals---Law Review/Journal Citations	338	(1)
Restatements	339	(1)
Treatises/Books	339	(1)
General Rules of Citation	340	(16)
Typeface	341	(1)
Italics and Underscoring	341	(1)
Citation Placement in Sentences and Clauses	341	(1)
Abbreviations	342	(2)
Capitalization	344	(1)
Quotations	344	(4)
Page Numbers (Pinpoint Citations)	348	(2)
String Citations	350	(1)
Short Citation Forms (Id., Supra, and Hereinafter)	350	(2)
Internal Cross References (Supra and Infra)	352	(1)
Signals	352	(2)
Sections and Paragraphs (§ ¶)	354	(1)
Electronic Sources	354	(2)
Key Points Checklist---Citation Checklist	356	(1)
Application	356	(3)
Chapter Hypothetical	356	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	356	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	356	(1)
Summary	357	(1)
Chapter References	357	(1)
Internet Resources	357	(1)
Exercises	358	(1)
Counteranalysis	359	(19)
Introduction	360	(1)
Counteranalysis---Definition	360	(1)
Counteranalysis---Why?	360	(1)
Counteranalysis---When?	361	(1)
Counteranalysis---Research Sources	362	(1)
Counteranalysis---Techniques	363	(9)
In General	363	(1)
Enacted Law	363	(5)
Case Law	368	(4)
Counteranalysis Techniques---Comments	372	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Conducting Counteranalysis	372	(1)
Application	373	(5)
Chapter Hypothetical	373	(1)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	373	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	374	(1)
Summary	374	(1)
Chapter References	374	(1)
Internet Resources	375	(1)
Exercises	375	(3)
The Research Process for Effective Legal Research	378	(28)
Introduction	379	(1)
Goal of Legal Research	379	(1)
Legal Research Process	379	(1)
Part A---Analyze the Assignment	380	(9)
Assignment	381	(1)
Constraints	382	(1)
Organization---Research Outline	383	(6)
Part B---Conduct Research	389	(5)
Step 1 Preliminary Preparation	390	(1)
Step 2 Issue	391	(1)
Step 3 Rule	392	(2)
When to Stop	394	(3)
When to Stop Researching When You Find Nothing	394	(2)
When to Stop Researching After Finding Several Legal Sources	396	(1)
General Considerations	397	(2)
Focus	397	(1)
Ethics---Intellectual Honesty	398	(1)
Key Points Checklist and Research Suggestions	399	(1)
Application	400	(6)
Chapter Hypothetical	400	(2)
Chapter 1 Hypothetical Reins v. Stewart	402	(1)
Chapter 2 Hypothetical United States v. Canter	403	(1)
Summary	403	(1)
Chapter References	403	(1)
Internet Resources	404	(1)
Exercises	404	(2)
Appendix A---Legal Research Memorandum	406	(5)
Appendix B---Research Source Chart	411	(2)
Appendix C---Court Opinions Referred to in the Text	413	(34)
Glossary	447	(4)
Index	451