When law students use legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, they should be careful about some common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid trouble:
Don’t Rely Just on Keywords: Many students type in a few keywords and expect to find everything they need. This can cause you to miss important cases or laws that use different words. Try using synonyms or related terms. Also, use advanced search options to get better results.
Use Filters and Limiters: These databases often let you filter your results by court, date, or type of content. If you ignore these tools, you might find irrelevant information. Always set filters to find the most useful materials.
Pay Attention to Citations: When using cases or laws, make sure you format your citations correctly. Wrong citations can confuse others and might even get you in trouble for cheating. Learn about citation styles like Bluebook or ALWD and double-check your work.
Evaluate Your Sources: Not all cases or laws are equally important. It’s essential to know if a case is still valid or if it has been changed or overruled. This helps you keep your legal arguments strong.
Use Secondary Sources: While primary sources are crucial, don’t forget about secondary sources like legal journals and encyclopedias. They provide helpful context and can point you to important cases. They also help you build strong arguments.
Check Out Training Resources: Westlaw and LexisNexis have tutorials and help sections. Many students overlook these resources, thinking they can navigate without them. Spending some time learning how to use these tools can save you a lot of frustration later.
Take Good Notes: While you research, keep organized notes about what you find. Write down case citations and how each source is relevant. If your notes are messy, it will be hard to remember everything when you compile your research.
Stay Updated: Laws and cases change over time. Make it a habit to check for new developments, as these can change the strength of your arguments.
Don’t Just Use Print Versions: Many databases have both print and online resources. If you only use one, you might miss important information that appears in the other format.
Follow Ethical Guidelines: Always use these resources honestly. Misrepresenting your findings can lead to serious consequences. Being ethical is important for professionalism and shows that you pay attention to details.
By being aware of these common mistakes, law students can make their research easier and more effective. This way, they will be better prepared for their studies and future careers in law.
When law students use legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, they should be careful about some common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid trouble:
Don’t Rely Just on Keywords: Many students type in a few keywords and expect to find everything they need. This can cause you to miss important cases or laws that use different words. Try using synonyms or related terms. Also, use advanced search options to get better results.
Use Filters and Limiters: These databases often let you filter your results by court, date, or type of content. If you ignore these tools, you might find irrelevant information. Always set filters to find the most useful materials.
Pay Attention to Citations: When using cases or laws, make sure you format your citations correctly. Wrong citations can confuse others and might even get you in trouble for cheating. Learn about citation styles like Bluebook or ALWD and double-check your work.
Evaluate Your Sources: Not all cases or laws are equally important. It’s essential to know if a case is still valid or if it has been changed or overruled. This helps you keep your legal arguments strong.
Use Secondary Sources: While primary sources are crucial, don’t forget about secondary sources like legal journals and encyclopedias. They provide helpful context and can point you to important cases. They also help you build strong arguments.
Check Out Training Resources: Westlaw and LexisNexis have tutorials and help sections. Many students overlook these resources, thinking they can navigate without them. Spending some time learning how to use these tools can save you a lot of frustration later.
Take Good Notes: While you research, keep organized notes about what you find. Write down case citations and how each source is relevant. If your notes are messy, it will be hard to remember everything when you compile your research.
Stay Updated: Laws and cases change over time. Make it a habit to check for new developments, as these can change the strength of your arguments.
Don’t Just Use Print Versions: Many databases have both print and online resources. If you only use one, you might miss important information that appears in the other format.
Follow Ethical Guidelines: Always use these resources honestly. Misrepresenting your findings can lead to serious consequences. Being ethical is important for professionalism and shows that you pay attention to details.
By being aware of these common mistakes, law students can make their research easier and more effective. This way, they will be better prepared for their studies and future careers in law.