1. How to Create Research Strategies
CHAPTER 12
How to Create Research Strategies

2. The Bluebook Rule 5.2 - Brackets
When changing from upper to lower case and vise versa
When substituting letters
When substituting words
When using inserted materials

3. The Bluebook Rule 5.2
Use [sic] to indicate a significant error in the original quote
When used, [sic] is placed directly following the mistake

4. Formulate a Research Strategy
Create a vocabulary list
Factual terms
Legal terms
Consult a legal dictionary and thesaurus
Determine the primary and secondary sources to review
Consult the primary and secondary source indexes
Revise vocabulary list if necessary

5. Where to Begin Search Primary Sources
Use first when you are familiar with the area of law and familiar with the vocabulary
Primary sources include:
Constitutions
Cases
Statutes
Administrative regulations

6. Where to Begin Search Secondary Sources
Use first when you are unfamiliar with the area of law and unfamiliar with the vocabulary
Secondary sources include:
Legal Dictionaries and Legal Thesaurus
Legal Encyclopedias
Treatises, Hornbooks, and Nutshells
Looseleaf Services
Digests

7. Updating and Validating Results
Use Shepard’s for cases and statutes cited
Use Auto-Cite and/or KeyCite when available

8. Always Keep Detailed Notes of All Research Done
Allows you to verify your work
Allows you to easily find cites and quotes which are incomplete
Allows for better organization