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How Do Primary and Secondary Legal Sources Differ in Legal Research?
Primary vs. Secondary Legal Sources
What They Are
Primary Sources: These are the main legal documents. They include laws, rules, and court cases. These sources are official and must be followed.
Secondary Sources: These are like help guides. They explain and talk about primary sources. They can be found in textbooks, articles, and legal encyclopedias.
Why They Matter
About 70% of legal research involves primary sources. This is because they are directly important for making legal arguments.
Secondary sources make up the remaining 30%. They help explain and provide background on the primary materials.
How They Are Used
Statutory laws (the written laws) form about 80% of what courts refer to as past examples.
More than 60% of law students prefer looking at secondary sources first. It helps them get a better understanding before they dive into the primary sources.
How Do Primary and Secondary Legal Sources Differ in Legal Research?
Primary vs. Secondary Legal Sources
What They Are
Primary Sources: These are the main legal documents. They include laws, rules, and court cases. These sources are official and must be followed.
Secondary Sources: These are like help guides. They explain and talk about primary sources. They can be found in textbooks, articles, and legal encyclopedias.
Why They Matter
About 70% of legal research involves primary sources. This is because they are directly important for making legal arguments.
Secondary sources make up the remaining 30%. They help explain and provide background on the primary materials.
How They Are Used
Statutory laws (the written laws) form about 80% of what courts refer to as past examples.
More than 60% of law students prefer looking at secondary sources first. It helps them get a better understanding before they dive into the primary sources.