Frame The Legal Question Before Search
Frame a legal research assignment as an answerable issue before searching.
Start with the issue, not the database. A vague assignment creates vague search results. Issue Name the legal question in one sentence. Include jurisdiction, actor, legal act, and the facts likely to affect the rule. Rule Predict the kind of authority you need. A statute, regulation, case line, agency guidance, or secondary source will each change the search path. Application Identify the facts the rule must meet. This prevents you from treating a case with similar keywords as a case with similar reasoning. Conclusion Do not write the final answer yet. Write the answer format you need: yes/no, range of…
Sign up free — one personalized lesson every day, matched to your role and goals.
Already have an account? Sign in