Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing

Comprehensive yet easy to understand, the third edition of LEGAL RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND WRITING teaches the fundamentals in a hands-on, step-by-step format that is designed to build confidence. With coverage of key topics such as research analytical principles, legal research, legal analysis, and legal writing, this popular book covers the information readers need to know in order to find, access, apply, and analyze legal materials. Numerous hypotheticals, examples, and exercises clarify material and give readers additional opportunities for practice. In addition, the third edition includes the most up-to-date information in the field, with special attention given to electronic research programs such as WestlawNext, LexisNexis interface, Shepard's online, and Westlaw's KeyCite.

PART I: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH, ANALYTICAL PRINCIPLES, AND THE LEGAL PROCESS. 1. Introduction to Legal Principles and Authorities. 2. Introduction to Legal Research and Analysis. PART II: LEGAL RESEARCH. 3. Constitutions, Statutes, Administrative Law, and Court Rules--Research and Analysis. 4. Case Law--Research and Briefing. 5. Secondary Authority and Other Research Sources--Encyclopedias, Treatises, American Law Reports, Digests, Shepard's. 6. Secondary Authority-- Periodicals, Restatements, Uniform Laws, Dictionaries, Legislative History, and Other Secondary Authorities. 7. Computers and Legal Research. 8. Legal Citation. PART III: THE SPECIFICS OF LEGAL ANALYSIS. 9. Legal Analysis--Key Facts. 10. Legal Analysis--Issue Identification--Spotting the Issue. 11. Legal Analysis--Stating the Issue. 12. Case Law Analysis--Is a Case on Point? 13. Counteranalysis. PART IV: LEGAL WRITING. 14. Fundamentals of Writing. 15. The Writing Process for Effective Legal Writing. 16. Office Legal Memorandum: Issues and Facts. 17. Office Legal Memorandum: Analysis to Conclusion. 18. External Memoranda: Court Briefs. 19. Correspondence. Appendix A: Court Opinions Referred to in the Text. Appendix B: Appellate Court Brief. Appendix C: Web Sites. Glossary. Index.