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Evolution Of Digests

Decent Essays

1. Evolution of Research Sources: From Digests to Hyperlinks

Traditionally, legal issues would be researched using Digests, a series of books that used a standardized alphabetical classification system of main topics (such as “Burglary” or “Searches and Seizures”) and Key numbers (subtopics such as “Defenses” or “Probable Cause”) that were identical to the topics and Key numbers used in case headnotes. Using the main topic in boldface and the Key number that appeared at the beginning of each headnote for a case, digest editors collected headnotes on specific points of law from cases within a given jurisdiction.

Although the print versions of Digests (and case reporters) have been phased out, understanding Key numbering is critical …show more content…

Start by Reading a Secondary Source
• Online (or Books): If you need to educate yourself about an unfamiliar issue, start by reading a secondary source, such as an encyclopedia, A.L.R., a hornbook, or a commercial guide to find articles that explain and survey the law.
• Online (or Books): For codes, use the Table of Contents to locate the general issue and then look for specific code sections to read.

Identify Terms to Use for Research
• Parties: Identify the parties to the case by their class (e.g., minors), occupation (doctor), or relationship (tenant, heir).
• Places: Consider where the problem arose, such as public buildings, amusement parks, or sidewalks.
• Things: Include objects involved in the dispute, such as automobiles.
• Basis of Action: Negligence, breach of contract, conversion, search and seizure are some ideas to use for terms.
• Defenses: Assumption of the risk, infancy, and other defenses if relevant.
• Relief Sought: Punitive damages, injunction, annulment, and other forms of relieve should be included in the search terms as needed
Use Research Terms to Search Online Sources
• Write a focused query using the research terms you identified. A query using terms and connectors will yield a more focused result than a general query.
• Use the categories (cases, secondary sources, etc.) to find controlling authorities.
Narrow the search by using specific sources or dates or expand the search to

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