Legal research means finding laws, regulations and court opinions, relevant to the specific circumstances of a case. The primary objective of legal research revolves around finding authoritative backing for a particular legal matter or decision. If you are planning to pursue BBA LLB Hons. degree course, here are some of the basic tips on legal research that you may find useful:
- To begin your legal research, start by creating a summary of the facts. This will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of everything that has occurred or is currently happening in your case. Take some time to write down a thorough account of all the events that have transpired thus far, including any ongoing matters. Don’t exclude facts that may seem insignificant, as they can sometimes have a significant impact on the legal proceedings. Review and revise the statement to ensure its accuracy and alignment with the facts of your case.
- Next step is to gather secondary law materials when sourcing information. This approach ensures that you are well-informed about expert opinions and insights regarding a particular topic. You can use secondary sources such as books, articles, and other materials written by people who aren’t directly involved in your case, like judges or lawyers. These sources can give you an idea of how courts have interpreted laws in the past. But it’s important to be careful because secondary sources might not always be completely reliable. They could be old and not include the latest changes in the law. For example, an article written in 2005 might not have the most up-to-date information. So, it’s a good idea to double-check their accuracy and also look for more recent sources to make sure you’re getting the right and current information.
- Always ensure the use of “valid” law, which means that a court has not invalidated or struck down the legal provision. Throughout the process of collecting case citations, it is advisable to diligently check their validity. Always conduct a comprehensive review of your citations once your research process is complete. This review is crucial to identify and address any potential gaps, changes, or oversights that may have occurred during the research process.
- Learn how to use a good legal dictionary. A good legal dictionary is like your trusty companion when you’re doing legal research and writing. It’s there to help you with all the important words you need, without overwhelming you by including every single word in the English language. It is important to note that simply collecting the necessary legal information is not enough to present a strong case. You have to thoroughly analyse the data and fix any mistakes or problems. You have to think ahead and anticipate any arguments that the other side might make.
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