LEGRES

Legal Research 3. Develop Search Terms

a. Phrases thatll narrow search and yield relevant
- searching for authority that can be applied to a given information
set of facts and issues b. Consider which branches of government may
- Gathering information to support legal theories and have established law
decisions
4. Collect Background Information
Necessary?
a. Primary sources laws, regulations
- Each person differs in thinking and reasoning b. Secondary sources commentary
- Different lawyering jobs -> Finding a middle ground:
o Legal Memo explaining the legal issue to the 5. Search for Authority
client a. Primary sources
o Pleadings for the judge b. Authoritative, controlling, precedent
*Both requires researching c. Bound to stare decisis

Steps for Research Plan 6. Synthesizing Arguments

a. Case brief
1. Conducting Factual Analysis
b. Legal opinion
People involved, place, things, subject-matter
c. Legal Memo
involved
a. Answers Who, why, how, where, when
7. Update & Verify
> (Who) relationship
a. Make sure the laws are still good
> (Where) answers jurisdiction where to
b. Make sure cases are current
file it
> (When) answers prescription Per Curiam ruling issued by multiple judges he decision
rendered is made by the court (or at least, a majority of the
Kinds of Murder: Parasite, Homicide, Murder
court) acting collectively (and typically, though not necessarily,
2. Identifying Legal Issue unanimously)
a. Case of action/ground for defense
En Banc - decision by the full court of all the appeals judges in
b. Relief sought
jurisdictions where there is more than one three- or four-judge
c. Will help determine relevant facts
panel.