Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/legalresearch101-primary/
Embarking on any new field can feel like being plunged into a dark cave – disorienting and a little terrifying. For many, the world of legal research evokes precisely this feeling. The sheer volume of information, the specialized language, and the uncertainty of where to even begin can be overwhelming. This is precisely where Udemy’s course, ‘Legal Research 101: Primary Authorities,’ shines as a guiding light.
As a Law Librarian, the instructor understands the trepidation many face when starting a legal research project, whether they are seasoned lawyers or individuals navigating their own legal battles. This course aims to provide that crucial ‘guiding hand,’ making the initial steps less daunting. It focuses on the fundamental building blocks of legal research: primary authorities.
One of the most insightful aspects of this course is its emphasis on starting with print resources. While it might seem counterintuitive in our digital age, the instructor convincingly argues that understanding the organization and retrieval methods of print materials provides a robust foundation for comprehending online legal databases. Knowing how print resources are structured helps you understand the logic behind computerized searches and what keywords or concepts to target.
The course meticulously covers key areas, including:
* **Finding Statutes:** Learn how to locate both state and federal statutes, the codified laws of the land.
* **Understanding Case Citations:** Decipher the anatomy of a case citation, a critical skill for referencing legal precedent.
* **Case Law Research:** Master the art of finding relevant case law using the American Digest System, including headnote topics and key numbers – a powerful tool for legal scholars.
* **Regulations:** Discover how to find state and federal regulations, the rules and orders issued by executive agencies.
* **Shepardizing:** Crucially, the course teaches the essential steps of Shepardizing statutes, case law, and regulations. Shepardizing is vital for verifying if a legal authority is still valid and has not been overturned or modified.
While the initial stages of legal research can feel like navigating a maze in the dark, ‘Legal Research 101: Primary Authorities’ equips students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to illuminate the path. By demystifying primary authorities and demonstrating their retrieval through both print and, by extension, online methods, this course offers a clear, accessible, and highly recommended starting point for anyone looking to understand the bedrock of legal research.
Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/legalresearch101-primary/