Overview

The new edition of this text-workbook by Margaret Kerr, JoAnn Kurtz, and Arlene Blatt takes a comprehensive approach to legal research, using both computerized and paper sources. Students will learn how to effectively analyze fact situations, how to research subjects, and how to locate, update, and review relevant statutes, regulations, and cases. They will also learn how to communicate their research results clearly and professionally. Legal Research: Step by Step, 3rd Edition is a resource that students will use beyond the classroom and into the workplace.

Top ∧Features

• Written in clear language that is appropriate for students at the community college level.
• Includes an extended chapter on legal writing.
• Research exercises based on actual case law and fact situations.
• Clear, practical explanation of legal research basics, showing the kind of information researched in a lawyer’s or a paralegal’s office.
• User-friendly layout with key terms highlighted and defined in margins.
• Description of Canadian categories and sources.
• Presented in a text-workbook format with end-of-chapter review and discussion questions.
• Includes an Instructor's Guide with the answers to review and research exercises.
• Explains the mechanics and logistics behind effective Boolean and keyword searching.
• Provides screen-shot examples of actual searches from a number of key sites, including the federal and Ontario government websites, Westlaw Canada’s LawSource, the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) website, and more.
• Includes a glossary of key terms and an index.

Top ∧Content Summary

PART I Introduction to Legal Research

• The Basics of Legal Research

PART II Sources of Canadian Law

• Statutes
• Regulations
• Cases

PART III Thinking About Legal Research

• How to Analyze a Fact Situation
• How to Research a Subject

PART IV Paper Legal Research Resources

• An Overview of Paper Sources
• Finding a General Statement of the Law
• Finding and Updating Statutes
• Finding and Updating Regulations
• Finding and Updating Cases
• Library Exercises

PART V Computerized Legal Research Sources

• An Overview of Computerized Sources
• Finding a General Statement of the Law
• Finding and Updating Statutes
• Finding and Updating Regulations
• Finding and Updating Cases
• Legal Research on the Internet
• Computer Exercises

PART VI Putting It All Together

• The Best of Both Worlds
• Legal Writing