Paralegal Lesson 3

Annotated code

A version of a statutory code that includes summaries of relevant decisions, references to related laws, and commentary from legal editors

Boolean Operators

Words or symbols used in database searches (AND, OR, NOT) to narrow or broaden search results in legal research platforms

IRAC

A method of legal analysis that stands for Issue, Rule, Application, and Conclusion; used to structure legal memos and essays

KeyCite

A legal research tool available on Westlaw that indicates whether a case is still good law by showing how later cases have treated it

Legal brief

A written document submitted to a court that presents legal arguments and supporting authority in a persuasive format

Legal digest

A subject index that organizes summaries of court decisions by topic and subtopic to assist in locating relevant case law

Legal encyclopedia

A multi volume reference work that provides a general overview of broad legal topics and includes citations to relevant cases and statutes

Legal memo

A written document prepared by legal professionals that objectively analyzes a legal issue for internet use within a law firm or organization

Legal research

The process of identifying and retrieving information such as statues, case law, administrative regulations, to support legal decision making

Precedent

A prior judicial decision that serves as an example or rule for deciding later cases involving similar legal principles or facts

Primary authority

Legal sources that have binding authority, such as constitutions, statutes, regulations, and court decisions from the same jurisdiction

Secondary authority

Nonbinding sources that explain or interpret the law, such as legal encyclopedias, treaties, and law review articles

Shepard’s

A legal citator service available on LexisNexis that helps researchers determine the current validity of a case and track its citation history

Stare decisis

A legal doctrine requiring courts to follow precedent established by higher courts in previous cases with similar facts and issues

Treatise

A scholarly legal publication that provides in depth analysis of a specific area of law, often written by legal scholars or practitioners