How to Create Research Strategies CHAPTER 12 How to Create Research Strategies

The Bluebook Rule 5.2 - Brackets When changing from upper to lower case and vise versa When substituting letters When substituting words When using inserted materials

The Bluebook Rule 5.2 Use [sic] to indicate a significant error in the original quote When used, [sic] is placed directly following the mistake

Formulate a Research Strategy Create a vocabulary list Factual terms Legal terms Consult a legal dictionary and thesaurus Determine the primary and secondary sources to review Consult the primary and secondary source indexes Revise vocabulary list if necessary

Where to Begin Search Primary Sources Use first when you are familiar with the area of law and familiar with the vocabulary Primary sources include: Constitutions Cases Statutes Administrative regulations

Where to Begin Search Secondary Sources Use first when you are unfamiliar with the area of law and unfamiliar with the vocabulary Secondary sources include: Legal Dictionaries and Legal Thesaurus Legal Encyclopedias Treatises, Hornbooks, and Nutshells Looseleaf Services Digests

Updating and Validating Results Use Shepard’s for cases and statutes cited Use Auto-Cite and/or KeyCite when available

Always Keep Detailed Notes of All Research Done Allows you to verify your work Allows you to easily find cites and quotes which are incomplete Allows for better organization