Legal research and referencing

Legal research is a distinct and critical skill set that underpins all legal practice. This guide provides a structured approach to solving legal problems through research. It covers how to analyse a legal scenario, identify key issues and select the appropriate research tools. You will learn the difference between primary sources (cases, legislation) and secondary sources (books, journals, encyclopedias) and how to use them together to build an argument.

The guide also offers tips on search logic, Boolean operators and keeping current with legal developments. It is designed to help you become an efficient, thorough and precise legal researcher.