This article on ‘How To Conduct Effective Legal Research?: Step-by-Step Guide‘ is a guide for law students. Willing to submit a paper for publication in a Journal? Check the Submission Guidelines.
INTRODUCTION
This article explores the various stages involved in the development of legal research, including its preparation, common challenges encountered, and when to conclude legal research. Most importantly, it focuses on effective methods for conducting legal research. Legal research is generally defined as a systematic process for addressing a legal question. According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, research involves a meticulous examination of a subject, aimed at uncovering or discovering new information about it.
The primary objective of legal research is to discover an authoritative source that can assist in resolving the legal issue at hand. Consequently, every research endeavour is driven by a specific question or problem that requires thorough investigation. The nature of this problem determines the approach and methodology employed during the research process.
STEPS FOR CONDUCTING LEGAL RESEARCH
In addition to following a structured and stepped approach, there are several other ways in which a researcher can enhance the effectiveness of conducting legal research. While this list is not exhaustive, the following steps can be employed by researchers to conduct effective legal research:
- Understand the research objective: Clearly define the legal question or issue you are researching. This will help you focus your research efforts and determine the information you need to find.
- Identify relevant sources: Determine which primary and secondary sources apply to your research. Primary sources include statutes, regulations, and case law, while secondary sources encompass legal commentaries, journals, and textbooks. Utilize online legal databases, libraries, and academic resources to access these materials.
- Develop a research strategy: Plan how you will approach your research. Break down the research into manageable tasks, such as searching for relevant cases, statutes, or scholarly articles. Create a timeline or schedule to keep yourself organized.
- Conduct comprehensive searches: Use appropriate search terms and keywords to find relevant information. Utilize advanced search features in legal databases to refine your searches and narrow down the results. Be thorough and explore multiple sources to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
- Evaluate the credibility of sources: Assess the reliability and authority of the sources you find. Consider the reputation of the author, the publication or source, and any potential biases. Verify the accuracy and currency of the information.
- Read and analyse the collected materials: Carefully read through the relevant sources and extract key information. Take notes, highlight important points, and organize the information in a structured manner. Identify legal principles, precedents, and arguments that are relevant to your research question.
- Apply critical thinking and legal analysis: Engage in critical evaluation of the legal materials you have gathered. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, consider counterarguments, and identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the law. Apply legal reasoning to develop your analysis and interpretation.
- Synthesize and organize your findings: Compile your research findings into a cohesive and logical structure. Create an outline or framework to organize the information and arguments. Ensure that your research supports your conclusions and is presented clearly and coherently.
- Document your sources: Properly cite all the sources you have used in your research. Follow the appropriate citation style, such as the Bluebook, APA, or MLA, depending on the requirements of your jurisdiction or institution. Accurate citations demonstrate your thoroughness and allow others to verify and access the sources you used.
- Review, revise, and update your research: Carefully review your research for any errors, inconsistencies, or areas that require further clarification. Revise and refine your work to improve clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Stay updated on any new developments or changes in the law that may affect your research.
- Seek feedback and consultation: Share your research with peers, professors, or legal experts to gain valuable insights and perspectives. Engage in discussions and debates to refine your understanding of the topic and strengthen your arguments.
- Maintain ethical standards: Conduct your research ethically and responsibly. Respect intellectual property rights, properly attribute the work of others, and avoid plagiarism. Adhere to ethical guidelines and research practices to maintain the integrity of your work.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
Here is a guide on how to conduct effective legal research:
- Familiarity with legal research platforms: Researchers should possess the necessary skills to effectively utilize online legal databases. With the advancements in technology, online legal databases have become indispensable tools for accessing precedents and legal resources. Researchers should be well-versed in navigating these platforms, using appropriate search terms, and applying search filters to narrow down results.
- Clear expectations of results: Researchers should have a general idea of the results they expect to find during the data collection process. While it is not possible to anticipate all results, having a clear understanding of the expected outcomes helps researchers identify and prioritize relevant information. This saves time and makes the research process more efficient.
- Organization of collected data: Researchers must organize the data they gather during the research process. Incorporating relevant data in a structured manner ensures that it fits seamlessly into legal research. If the collected data appears disjointed or abstract, the researcher should take the time to organize and present it logically and coherently.
- Selectivity in data collection: Researchers are likely to come across a vast array of sources while collecting data for legal research. Researchers need to be selective and discerning in choosing which data to incorporate. The researcher should consider the relevance and reliability of the authorities supporting their argument or proposition. Asking questions such as how a particular case contributes to the argument and how well it supports the proposition being made can guide the selection process.
- Avoid rushing the research: Researchers should allocate sufficient time for planning and executing the research. By creating a research plan and setting realistic timelines for each chapter or phase, researchers can ensure that they do not rush through the process. Unexpected roadblocks or delays can occur during the research, so having a well-thought-out plan helps manage and mitigate such challenges.
CONCLUSION
Conducting effective legal research requires a systematic and thorough approach. It involves identifying reliable sources, utilizing various research tools, and critically analysing information. Additionally, staying updated with current legal developments and maintaining a clear and organized research process is key to achieving successful outcomes these principles, legal professionals can enhance their ability to find accurate and relevant legal information, ultimately leading to stronger legal arguments and informed decision-making.
REFERENCES
- AJ Blechner, Legal Research Strategy, Harvard School Library, 7 December 2022, available at: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/law/researchstrategy
- How to Conduct Effective Legal Research: Law Students Guide, Legal Upanishad, 2 December 2022, available at: https://legalupanishad.com/how-to-conduct-effective-legal-research-law-students-guide/
- Sharon Miki, A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Do Legal Research, Clio Blog, available at: https://www.clio.com/blog/how-to-do-legal-research/
