Legal Research (8th Edition) (Abridged Edition of American Law Essentials)

Author: Morris L. Cohen
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-01-29
Features: The electronic revolution has made legal research faster and easier. This accessible guide starts with case law and statutes and expands to auxiliary resources and other research tools. The author, an expert in the field, explains how to conduct research using online resources, CDs, and other web-based resources. The book is primarily intended for those just beginning their research. The first five chapters provide an overview of major and minor resources in American law. From the outset, general background materials such as legal encyclopedias and law reviews are discussed, as they are frequently used in research. Next comes case law, due to its central role in the American legal system and legal education. This is followed by constitutions and statutes. Chapters 6 through 10 cover legislative history, litigation law, court rules, loose-leafs, and indexes. Although these resources differ from basic case law and statute resources, they serve the same role in legal research. The final two chapters provide a brief introduction to international and foreign law. The book serves not only as a reference but also as a practical textbook.