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Strategies for Success with Legal Research

Steps for conducting efficient and effective legal research

Review the facts

Carefully and thoroughly go over the facts of your situation. Answer: who, what, where, when, how?

Who?

Persons or parties involved? Group, class or status of persons involved? What is their relationship to each other?

What?

Item, location, or subject matter?

What is the law?

Cause of action or legal theory? Is this a tort? Breach of contract? Is there a defense?

What do you want"

Relief sought - Money damages? Injunction? Criminal Penalties?