Telling the difference between primary and secondary legal sources can be a bit confusing, but it’s really important for getting the law right. Here are some simple tips to help you out:

1. Understanding Definitions:

   • Primary Sources: These are the official papers that make up the law, like rules, regulations, and case decisions. They are basically the law itself.
   • Secondary Sources: These include things like textbooks, articles from law reviews, and legal encyclopedias. They explain or comment on the primary sources.

2. Looking at Citation Style:

   • Check how the sources are mentioned. Primary sources usually have a strict format (like “35 U.S.C. § 101”). On the other hand, secondary sources are often listed by author or title.

3. Considering Purpose:

   • Think about whether the source is giving you the law directly or if it’s analyzing it. If it’s offering commentary or explanation, it’s probably a secondary source.

Using these tips can make your research a lot easier!