Basic Legal Research: Tools and Strategies (Online Edition)
Fourth Edition
Amy E. Sloan, University of Baltimore

This text seeks to provide students not only with the bibliographic skills to locate the legal authorities necessary to resolve a research issue, but also an understanding of research process that is an integral component of students’ training in problem-solving skills.

Updated and revised, the Fourth Edition offers:

• accessible, clear, step-by-step instruction on the basics of legal research
• a building-block approach that breaks the material into discrete, easily digested parts
• increased focus on electronic research to maintain the right balance of print and electronic coverage
• helpful checklists, clear examples, and summary charts that support comprehension and memory
• sample pages and examples of research sources throughout—a preview of what students will encounter in practice
• interactive exercises and other materials on TeachingLaw.com

Summary of Online Contents

The online material for Basic Legal Research: Tools and Strategies, Fourth Edition is organized into seven sections:

1. Introduction & Search Terms: Provides a framework for understanding the relationships among different types of legal authority. This section sets the stage for a process-oriented introduction to legal research and examines the first step in the research process: generating a list of useful search terms. (note: if you are referencing the print-formatted coursebook, this section’s material maps to chapters 1 and 2).
2. Secondary Sources: Discusses methods for locating, using, and citing both print and electronic secondary research sources. (chapter 3)
3. Cases & Citators: This section covers case research and the importance of updating your case research using citators. (chapters 4 & 5)
4. Statutes & Legislative History: Covers statutory research and explains how to locate and use the various types of documents that make up a statute’s legislative history for the purpose of analyzing ambiguous statutes. (chapters 6 & 7)
5. Administrative Law & Subject-Matter: Covers federal regulations research and provides an overview of how to use specialized research tools to locate both secondary and primary authority in specific subject areas of the law. (chapters 8 & 9)
6. Electronic Research & Research Plans: Discusses common search techniques and cost considerations that help students make informed decisions about when to use electronic sources. Additionally, this section provides a framework for creating a research plan. (chapters 10 & 11)
7. Case Files & Assignments: The courseware section of TeachingLaw.com where you will access your syllabus, download assignments, and upload finished work. All of your course communication and assignments are incorporated into TeachingLaw.com, creating a paperless and more engaging class experience.

To learn more about Amy Sloan’s Basic Legal Research: Tools and Strategies Fourth Edition on TeachingLaw.com, contact Aspen Publishers to request a free live demonstration and access to the TeachingLaw.com review site.

Phone: 1-800-950-5259 x 418
Email: legaledu@wolterskluwer.com