Research Skills Workshops (RSW)
As part of your ongoing study of legal research in Legal Practice, you are required to attend two RSWs this semester. These will be taught by the Mendik Library staff, a team of law librarians and professors with extensive experience in teaching both fundamental and advanced legal research skills to students.
Getting Started with Legal Research RSW
One of the first things you will notice when reading a decision is that it is filled with references to other legal sources. These references are called citations and an ability to understand what they say and mean is vital to being able to comprehend what you are reading and in being able to persuade readers to your point of view when writing.
Another thing you will probably notice is that the Primary Authorities you are reading -- the cases, statutes and regulations that comprise the Law – can be very confusing and written in language that is difficult to understand. Luckily, there are tools called Secondary Sources that can help you find and understand the Law. They are available for you to use: If you know how.
The Getting Started with Legal Research RSW will introduce you to how to best read, understand and write citations as well as how to use Secondary Sources to your best advantage.
Note:
Essentials for Effective Legal Research I RSW
EELR I will introduce you to three of the premier online legal databases you will be using through law school and far beyond: Bloomberg Law, Lexis and Westlaw.
EELR I will be taught during one of your regularly scheduled Legal Practice classes. Because of this, there no advance registration for EELR I.
Instructions on how to access your Bloomberg Law, Lexis and Westlaw registrations codes will be provided during the Library FSL sessions during Orientation. Make sure you have registered with all three systems prior to attending EELR I; be sure to bring your sign-on information to LP on that date.