Legal research is the process of gathering information and analyzing it to support legal decision-making. It is an essential part of the practice of law, as attorneys and other legal professionals must be able to find and interpret legal authorities to effectively represent their clients.

 

The goal of legal research is to find relevant legal authorities, such as statutes, regulations, case law, and other legal materials that are applicable to a particular legal issue. Legal research can be conducted using a variety of resources, including books, online databases, and legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis.

 

Legal research often involves the use of keywords and Boolean operators to search for relevant information, and it requires the ability to critically evaluate the sources found to determine their reliability and relevance. It is important to note that legal research is an ongoing process that requires a commitment to staying current with legal developments and updates.

 

Effective legal research is a critical skill for paralegals, attorneys, and other legal professionals, as it enables them to provide accurate and reliable legal advice to their clients and to effectively advocate on their behalf.