Courses
Introduction to Legal Research
Enrollment requires a LawHub Advantage purchase
About the course
This course introduces the fundamentals of legal research, a critical skill for success in law school and legal practice. Learners will explore how legal research differs from simple online searching by engaging in an analytical, iterative process used to solve complex legal problems.
Through guided instruction and practical examples, the course teaches how to break down fact patterns, identify legally significant issues, and formulate effective research questions. Learners will be introduced to the five-step "QUEST" framework, which provides a structured approach to locating and evaluating both secondary and primary legal sources.
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to develop and execute a strategic legal research plan, use online legal databases effectively, and apply relevant laws and cases to real-world scenarios.
Through guided instruction and practical examples, the course teaches how to break down fact patterns, identify legally significant issues, and formulate effective research questions. Learners will be introduced to the five-step "QUEST" framework, which provides a structured approach to locating and evaluating both secondary and primary legal sources.
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to develop and execute a strategic legal research plan, use online legal databases effectively, and apply relevant laws and cases to real-world scenarios.
Syllabus
- M1Not completed
Introduction
Learn what legal research is, why it matters, and how it differs from simple online searching. - M2Not completed
Legal Research is a Process
Understand how legal research is an analytical and iterative process that requires refining questions and revisiting sources. - M3Not completed
Legal Research is a QUEST
Explore a structured five-step approach to legal research that guides you from defining questions to applying legal authority. - M4Not completed
Legal Research Starts with Formulating Questions
Develop effective strategies for creating clear, targeted research questions based on complex fact patterns. - M5Not completed
Legal Research in an Online Database
Learn how to search legal databases efficiently using keywords, synonyms, and Boolean connectors to find relevant sources. - M6Not completed
Conclusion; Explore More
Reinforce key concepts and reflect on how to apply legal research skills in academic and professional settings.