7.1

The Functions of Law Books

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INTRODUCTION

This chapter will introduce you to dozens of law books and, just as importantly, the functions of those books. We have arranged the materials according to kind of authority.

The books presented in the manual provide two points of reference: A brief description of the publication, followed by a list of functions performed by that publication. We have also added database abbreviations for both Westlaw and Lexis (if the books are provided for on those sites). So if you are curious about a specific book, you can pop on to one of the online research sites and take a look, using the database abbreviation provided.

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Lecture Notes . . .

WESTLAW, LEXIS, LAW LIBRARY

As you read this chapter, or after you have read it, try the following to make the materials come alive for you:

1. Use the Law Library Lab in the Legal Research Labs. Most of the books will be there, so you can get a more interactive look at the materials.
2. Login to Westlaw and Lexis and find the books on those research sites. spend a couple of minutes looking at the layout for those books. (You can use your client's case as a basis for a search query, if you want.) Remember, most books are in one or the other, not both research sites. The manual tells you which books are found in which site.

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   Paralegal Perspective . . .

   NOT BEING SCARED
   The research sites online and the law library can be intimidating. But don't be scared. If you put the effort into these assignments, fear will give way to comfort, and eventually to confidence.

   It is very important that you take this opportunity to become familiar with both the materials online and the materials in the law library. If you are comfortable in both environments, it will add much to your persona and confidence as a paralegal. You will have the confidence that no matter what is put in front of you, the library exists to help explain issues. The online services exist to get you to authority very quickly. But that kind of confidence only comes by growing comfortable with the environment of those research landscapes.

   Thus, get online to Westlaw and Lexis at least once a day for the rest of the course. Even if it is just for 10 or 15 minutes. Even if you are finished with all current assignments.

   And we know it is easy not to go to the law library, or to go just enough to answer questions in these manuals, or to pass an exam. But you are only cheating yourself, and your future. Try to get to the law library once or twice a week for the remainder of the program. It's not too late to develop great research skills, both traditional and online.

   Don't do it for a grade, or for class. Do it for yourself. For your future as a paralegal.
   

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   Demonstration
   

   Demonstration
   Glossary of Law Books