Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing

by Putman, William H.

• ISBN13: 9780766854550
• ISBN10: 0766854558
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-08-21
• Publisher: CENGAGE Delmar Learning

Summary

Paralegals in training, those in practice and law students will greatly appreciate the wealth of information contained in Legal Research, Writing and Analysis. This book is written in laymen?s terms with concepts clearly illustrated through numerous examples and hypotheticals. The material will prepare readers to perform tasks ranging from the drafting of interoffice legal memoranda summarizing research and analysis of issues involved in a client?s case to the preparation of drafts of appellate court briefs. Readers will become familiar with such subject areas as conducting statutory and case law research and analysis, identifying key facts in a case, conducting counteranalysis and identifying issues. There is no other book available that covers as many areas of legal research, writing and analysis and in such an in-depth manner.

Table of Contents

Preface	xv
Chapter Features	xvi
Support Material	xvii
Acknowledgments	xix
About the Author	xx
Table of Figures	xxi
Table of Cases	xxv
PART I Introduction to Research, Analytical Principles and the Legal Process	1	(46)
Introduction to Legal Principles and Authorities	2	(23)
Introduction	3	(1)
Sources of Law	3	(9)
Enacted Law	4	(1)
Common Law/Case Law	5	(7)
Hierarchy of the Law	12	(1)
Authority	13	(6)
Types of Authority	13	(2)
Role of Authority	15	(4)
Key Points Checklist: Analyzing the law	19	(1)
Application	20	(5)
Summary	21	(1)
Quick References	22	(1)
Internet Resources	22	(1)
Exercises	23	(2)
Introduction to Legal Research and Analysis	25	(22)
Introduction	26	(1)
Legal Analysis Defined	26	(1)
Legal Research and the Analysis Process	26	(11)
Facts	27	(1)
Preliminary Research	28	(1)
IRAC Analysis	28	(9)
General Considerations	37	(2)
Focus	37	(1)
Ethics---Intellectual Honesty	38	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Conducting Analysis	39	(1)
Application	39	(8)
Battery Issue	40	(2)
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress Issue	42	(2)
Summary	44	(1)
Quick References	44	(1)
Internet Resources	44	(1)
Exercises	45	(2)
PART II Legal Research	47	(250)
Constitutions, Statutes, Administrative Law, and Court Rules---Research and Analysis	48	(49)
Introduction	49	(1)
Anatomy of a Statute	49	(9)
Numbers	56	(1)
Short Title	56	(1)
Purpose Clause	56	(1)
Scope	56	(1)
Definitions	57	(1)
Substantive Provisions	57	(1)
Other Provisions	57	(1)
Annotations/Reference Information	57	(1)
Statutory Research---Locating Statutes	58	(12)
Federal Law	58	(10)
State Statutory Law and Codes	68	(1)
The Research Process---Techniques and Strategies	68	(2)
Computer-Aided Research	70	(1)
Ethics---Competence and Diligence	70	(1)
Administrative Law	70	(7)
Federal Administrative Law	71	(6)
State Administrative Law	77	(1)
Court Rules	77	(1)
Analysis---The Process	77	(8)
Step 1. Determine If the Statute Applies	78	(2)
Step 2. Analyze the Statute	80	(2)
Step 3. Apply the Statute to the Legal Problem or Issue	82	(2)
Summary of the Statutory Analysis Process	84	(1)
General Considerations	85	(2)
Legislative History	85	(1)
Canons of Construction	85	(2)
Key Points Checklist: Working with Statutes	87	(1)
Application	88	(9)
Summary	91	(1)
Quick References	92	(1)
Internet Resources	93	(1)
Statutory Citation	93	(1)
Exercises	94	(3)
Case Law---Research and Briefing	97	(35)
Introduction	97	(1)
Court Opinions---In General	98	(1)
Court Opinions---Importance	98	(2)
Court Opinions---Elements	100	(4)
In General	100	(1)
Elements of a Reported Case	100	(4)
Court Opinions---Researching	104	(12)
Publication of Court Opinions	104	(10)
Researching Court Opinions---Locating Case Law	114	(2)
Court Opinion---Briefing (Case Brief)	116	(7)
Introduction	116	(1)
Importance of Briefing	116	(1)
How to Read a Case	116	(1)
Case Brief---Elements	117	(6)
Case Brief---Updating	123	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Locating, Reading, and Briefing Court Opinion	123	(1)
Application	124	(8)
Summary	128	(1)
Quick References	129	(1)
Internet Resources	129	(1)
Case Law Citation	130	(1)
Exercises	130	(2)
Secondary Authority---Encyclopedias, Treatises, Annotated Law Reports, Digests, Shepard's	132	(51)
Introduction	132	(2)
Legal Encyclopedias	134	(9)
National Encyclopedias	135	(1)
State Encyclopedias	135	(8)
Treatises	143	(3)
Types and Features of Treatises	143	(2)
Research Using Treatises	145	(1)
American Law Reports	146	(9)
A.L.R. Components	147	(6)
Research Using A.L.R.	153	(2)
Digests	155	(12)
West Key-Number Digest System	156	(4)
Components of the West Digests	160	(2)
Types of Digests	162	(4)
Research Using Digests	166	(1)
Shepard's Citations	167	(11)
Format and Components of Shepard's Citations	168	(5)
Types of Shepard's Citations	173	(3)
Research Using Shepard's Citations	176	(2)
Key Points Checklist: Secondary Authority	178	(1)
Application	179	(4)
Summary	179	(1)
Quick References	180	(1)
Internet Resources	180	(1)
Citation	180	(1)
Exercises	181	(2)
Secondary Authority---Periodicals, Restatements, Uniform Laws, Dictionaries, Legislative History, and Other Secondary Authorities	183	(37)
Introduction	183	(1)
Legal Periodicals	184	(7)
Types of Legal Periodicals	185	(2)
Research Using Legal Periodicals	187	(4)
Restatements of the Law	191	(9)
Restatement Features	191	(1)
Research Using Restatements of the Law	192	(8)
Uniform Laws and Model Acts	200	(5)
Features of Uniform Laws and Model Acts	201	(1)
Research Using Uniform and Model Laws	201	(4)
Dictionaries and Words and Phrases	205	(1)
Legal Dictionaries	205	(1)
Words and Phrases	206	(1)
Legislative History	206	(7)
Federal Legislative History Sources	206	(2)
Researching Federal Legislative History	208	(5)
State Legislative History	213	(1)
Jury Instructions---Other Research Sources	213	(2)
Jury Instructions	213	(1)
Practice and Form Books	213	(2)
Loose-leaf Services	215	(1)
Presidential Materials	215	(1)
Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory	215	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Periodicals, Restatements, Uniform Laws, Dictionaries, Legislative History, and Other Secondary Authorities	215	(1)
Application	216	(4)
Summary	216	(1)
Quick References	217	(1)
Internet Resources	217	(1)
Citation	218	(1)
Exercises	219	(1)
Computers and Legal Research	220	(36)
Introduction	220	(1)
Westlaw	221	(16)
Signing On	221	(1)
Finding Primary Authority	222	(14)
Finding Secondary Authority	236	(1)
Printing and Saving	237	(1)
Lexis	237	(13)
Signing On	237	(1)
Finding Primary Authority	237	(10)
Finding Secondary Authority	247	(2)
Printing and Saving	249	(1)
Westlaw or Lexis	250	(1)
Other Internet Sources	250	(1)
General Access and Links	250	(1)
Government Sources	251	(1)
Law School Web Sites	251	(1)
CD-ROM	251	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Computers and Legal Research	252	(1)
Application	252	(4)
Summary	253	(1)
Quick References	254	(1)
Internet Resources	254	(1)
Citation	254	(1)
Exercises	254	(2)
Legal Citation	256	(41)
Introduction	256	(2)
In General	256	(1)
The Bluebook and the ALWD Citation Manual	257	(1)
General Rules of Citation	258	(17)
Typeface	258	(1)
Italics and Underscoring	259	(1)
Citation Placement in Sentences and Clauses	260	(1)
Abbreviations	261	(1)
Capitalization	262	(1)
Quotations	263	(4)
Page Numbers (Pinpoint Citations)	267	(2)
String Citations	269	(1)
Short-Citation Forms (Id., Supra, and Hereinafter)	269	(2)
Internal Cross-References (Supra and Infra)	271	(1)
Signals	271	(2)
Sections and Paragraphs (§ ¶)	273	(1)
Electronic Sources	274	(1)
Primary Authority	275	(14)
Case Law	276	(8)
Constitutions	284	(1)
Statutory Law	285	(3)
Rules of Evidence and Procedure	288	(1)
Administrative Law	289	(1)
Secondary Authority	289	(4)
Annotated Law Reports	289	(1)
Legal Dictionary	290	(1)
Legal Encyclopedia	291	(1)
Periodicals---Law Review/Journal Citations	291	(1)
Restatements	292	(1)
Treatises/Books	293	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Citation	293	(1)
Application	294	(3)
Summary	294	(1)
Quick References	295	(1)
Internet Resources	295	(1)
Exercises	295	(2)
PART III The Specifics of Legal Analysis	297	(108)
Legal Analysis---Key Facts	298	(20)
Introduction	299	(1)
Facts in General---Definition	300	(1)
Importance of Facts	301	(1)
Types of Facts in General	301	(2)
Irrelevant Facts	302	(1)
Background Facts	302	(1)
Key Facts	303	(1)
Key Facts---Definition and Types	303	(2)
Definition	303	(1)
Types of Key Facts	304	(1)
Key Facts Identification---Client's Case	305	(4)
Step 1 Identify Each Cause of Action	306	(1)
Step 2 Determine the Elements	306	(1)
Step 3 List All Facts Related to the Elements	307	(1)
Step 4 Determine Which Facts Apply	307	(1)
Multiple Issues	308	(1)
Key Facts Identification---Case Law	309	(3)
Step 1 Read the Entire Case	310	(1)
Step 2 Look to the Holding	310	(1)
Step 3 Identify the Key Facts	311	(1)
Multiple Issues	312	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Identifying Key Facts	312	(1)
Application	312	(6)
Client's Fact Situation	312	(2)
Court Opinion	314	(2)
Summary	316	(1)
Quick References	316	(1)
Internet Resources	317	(1)
Exercises	317	(1)
Legal Analysis---Issue Identification	318	(25)
Introduction	319	(1)
Definition and Types	319	(1)
Elements	320	(2)
Applicable Law	320	(1)
Legal Question	321	(1)
Key Facts	321	(1)
Examples	321	(1)
Issue Identification---Client's Case	322	(4)
Step 1 Identify Each Type of Cause of Action	322	(1)
Step 2 Determine the Elements of Each Cause of Action	323	(1)
Step 3 Determine the Key Facts	324	(1)
Step 4 Assemble the Issue	325	(1)
Multiple Issues	326	(1)
Issue Identification---Case Law	326	(5)
Step 1 General Question	328	(1)
Step 2 Look to the Holding	329	(1)
Step 3 Assemble the Issue	330	(1)
Other Aids---Case Law Issue Identification	330	(1)
Multiple Issues	330	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Identifying the Issue	331	(1)
Application	332	(11)
Client's Fact Situation	332	(1)
Court Opinion	333	(4)
Summary	337	(1)
Quick References	337	(1)
Internet Resources	337	(1)
Exercises	338	(5)
Legal Analysis---Stating the Issue	343	(21)
Introduction	344	(1)
Shorthand/Broad Statement of the Issue	344	(2)
Comprehensive/Narrow Statement of the Issue	346	(2)
Issue---Law Component	348	(5)
Issue Based on Common Law	349	(1)
Issue Based on Enacted Law	349	(3)
Format of the Law Component	352	(1)
Issue---Question Component	353	(1)
Issue---Significant/Key Facts Component	354	(2)
Ethics---Objectively Stating the Issue	356	(1)
General Considerations	357	(1)
Name	357	(1)
Approach	358	(1)
Multiple Issues	358	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Drafting an Issue	358	(1)
Application	359	(5)
Chapter Hypothetical	359	(1)
False Imprisonment	359	(1)
Summary	360	(1)
Quick References	361	(1)
Internet Resources	361	(1)
Exercises	361	(3)
Case Law Analysis---Is a Case on Point?	364	(20)
Introduction	365	(1)
Definition---On Point	365	(1)
On Point---Importance	365	(2)
Precedent	366	(1)
Mandatory Precedent	366	(1)
Persuasive Precedent	366	(1)
Stare Decisis	367	(1)
Determining If a Case Is on Point	367	(11)
Step 1---Are the Key Facts Sufficiently Similar?	368	(5)
Step 2---Are the Rules/Principles of Law Sufficiently Similar?	373	(5)
Key Points Checklist: Determining If a Case Is on Point	378	(1)
Application	378	(6)
Chapter Hypothetical	378	(1)
Libel Case	379	(1)
Summary	380	(1)
Quick References	381	(1)
Internet Resources	381	(1)
Exercises	381	(3)
Counteranalysis	384	(21)
Introduction	385	(1)
Counteranalysis---Definition	385	(1)
Counteranalysis---Why?	385	(1)
Counteranalysis---When?	386	(1)
Counteranalysis---Techniques	387	(10)
In General	387	(1)
Enacted Law	388	(4)
Case Law	392	(5)
Counteranalysis Techniques---Comments	397	(1)
Counteranalysis---Where?	397	(2)
Court Brief	397	(1)
Interoffice Research Memorandum	398	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Conducting Counteranalysis	399	(1)
Application	399	(6)
Chapter Hypothetical	399	(1)
Counteranalysis---Reliance on Legislative Act	400	(1)
Counteranalysis---Reliance on Court Opinion	400	(1)
Summary	401	(1)
Quick References	401	(1)
Internet Resources	402	(1)
Exercises	402	(3)
PART IV Legal Writing	405	(162)
Fundamentals of Writing	406	(31)
Sentences	406	(4)
Sentence---Structure/Pattern	407	(1)
Sentence---Basic Rules	407	(3)
Paragraphs	410	(2)
Paragraph---Topic Sentence	410	(1)
Paragraph---Body	411	(1)
Paragraph---Closing Sentence	411	(1)
Paragraph---Transition Sentence	412	(1)
Paragraph Length	412	(1)
Word Selection and Usage	412	(5)
Excessive/Redundant Words	413	(1)
Noun-Verb Strings	413	(1)
Nominalizations	413	(1)
Legalese	414	(1)
Archaic Words	414	(1)
Sexist Language	414	(2)
Specific Words---Problem Areas	416	(1)
Grammar	417	(7)
Subject-Verb Agreement	417	(2)
Verb Tense	419	(1)
Parallel Construction	419	(1)
Superfluous Verbs	420	(1)
Modifier and Infinitives	420	(2)
Noun-Pronoun Agreement	422	(2)
Punctuation	424	(7)
Comma (,)	424	(2)
Semicolon (;)	426	(1)
Colon (:)	427	(1)
Apostrophe (')	427	(1)
Quotation Marks (`` '')	428	(1)
Ellipses (. . .)	429	(1)
Brackets ([ ])	430	(1)
Parentheses ``()''	430	(1)
Hyphen (-)	430	(1)
Dash (---)	430	(1)
General Considerations	431	(1)
Spelling	431	(1)
Numbers	431	(1)
Formal Writing Conventions	432	(1)
Key Points Checklist: Successful Legal Writing	432	(1)
Application	432	(5)
Summary	433	(1)
Quick References	434	(1)
Internet Resources	434	(1)
Exercises	434	(3)
The Writing Process for Effective Legal Writing	437	(24)
Introduction	438	(1)
Importance of Writing Skills	438	(1)
Goal of Legal Writing	438	(1)
Legal Writing Process	439	(14)
Prewriting Stage	440	(11)
Writing Stage	451	(1)
Postwriting Stage	452	(1)
General Research Suggestions	453	(2)
Key Points Checklist: The Writing Process	455	(1)
Application	455	(6)
Prewriting Stage	455	(2)
Writing Stage	457	(1)
Postwriting Stage	457	(1)
Summary	458	(1)
Quick References	458	(1)
Internet Resources	459	(1)
Exercises	459	(2)
Office Legal Memorandum: Issues and Facts	461	(24)
Introduction	462	(1)
Definition	463	(1)
Purposes, Uses, and Importance	463	(2)
Prewriting Stage	465	(4)
Nature of the Assignment	465	(1)
Constraints on the Assignment	466	(1)
Organization of the Assignment	467	(2)
Sections of the Office Memorandum	469	(10)
Heading	469	(1)
Statement of Assignment	470	(1)
Issue	471	(2)
Brief Answer	473	(1)
Statement of Facts	474	(5)
Key Points Checklist: Preparing an Interoffice Memorandum	479	(1)
Application	480	(5)
Summary	483	(1)
Quick References	484	(1)
Internet Resources	484	(1)
Exercise	484	(1)
Office Legal Memorandum: Analysis to Conclusion	485	(30)
Introduction	486	(1)
Analysis Section	486	(9)
Analysis---Format	486	(2)
Analysis Part A: Rule of Law	488	(2)
Analysis Part B: Rule of Law Interpretation---Case Law	490	(3)
Analysis Part C: Application of Rule of Law to Client's Case	493	(2)
Analysis Part D: Counteranalysis	495	(1)
Conclusion	495	(2)
Recommendations	497	(1)
General Considerations	498	(3)
Heading	498	(1)
Introductory Sentences	498	(1)
Transition Sentences	498	(1)
Paragraphs	499	(1)
Persuasive Precedent	499	(1)
Conclusions	500	(1)
Revisions/Drafts	500	(1)
Additional Authority	500	(1)
Key Points Checklist: The Interoffice Memorandum---Analysis to Conclusion	501	(1)
Application	501	(14)
Example 1	501	(1)
Example 2	502	(4)
Comments on Examples	506	(1)
Summary	507	(1)
Quick References	507	(1)
Internet Resources	507	(1)
Exercises	507	(8)
External Memoranda: Court Briefs	515	(30)
Introduction	516	(1)
General Considerations	516	(9)
Similarities---Court Briefs and Office Memoranda	516	(1)
Dissimilarities---Court Briefs and Office Memoranda	517	(8)
Trial Court Briefs	525	(6)
Audience	526	(1)
Constraints	526	(1)
Format/Content	527	(4)
Appellate Court Briefs	531	(4)
Audience	532	(1)
Constraints	532	(1)
Format/Content	532	(3)
Key Points Checklist: Preparing a Court Brief	535	(1)
Application	535	(10)
Summary	539	(1)
Quick References	540	(1)
Internet Resources	540	(1)
Exercises	540	(5)
Correspondence	545	(22)
Introduction	545	(1)
Basic Components	546	(5)
Letterhead	546	(1)
Date	547	(1)
Method of Delivery	547	(1)
Recipient's Address Block	547	(1)
Reference (Re:) Line	548	(1)
Salutation	548	(1)
Body	548	(1)
Closing	549	(1)
Signature and Title	550	(1)
Initials of Drafter	550	(1)
Enclosure Notation	550	(1)
Others Receiving Copies	550	(1)
Format Style	550	(1)
General Considerations---All Correspondence	551	(1)
Types of Correspondence	551	(8)
Information Letter	552	(2)
Opinion Letter	554	(3)
Demand/Advocacy Letter	557	(2)
Key Points Checklist: Preparing Legal Correspondence	559	(1)
Application	559	(8)
Example---Information Letter	560	(1)
Example---Opinion Letter	561	(2)
Comments on Examples	563	(1)
Summary	563	(1)
Quick References	564	(1)
Internet Resources	564	(1)
Exercises	565	(2)
Appendix A---Court Opinions	567	(47)
Appendix B---Appellate Court Brief	614	(31)
Appendix C---Web Sites	645	(3)
Glossary	648	(5)
Index	653