Federal Legal Research

Federal Legal Research explains how to conduct research in the U.S. Constitution and in federal cases, statutes, and administrative regulations. The book begins with an overview of the sources of law and the research process. That chapter is followed with an in-depth discussion of American legal research strategies and techniques for both print and online sources. The book covers secondary sources and practice guides, updating with Shepard's and KeyCite, and legislative research. A separate chapter focuses on legal ethics and court rules.

Federal Legal Research is effective for teaching legal research in first-year classes that integrate research, writing, and analysis as well as in upper-level courses with a more bibliographic approach. Moreover, the book will provide accessible information about federal legal research for practitioners, paralegals, librarians, college students, and even laypeople.

Federal Legal Research complements the state-specific books that comprise the Legal Research Series, edited by Suzanne E. Rowe, Director of Legal Research and Writing, University of Oregon School of Law.