The Law Workbook: Developing Skills for Legal Research and Writing

Analytical skills: How to analyze problems and identify legal issues Research skills: How to find the applicable laws Online research skills: How to search legal databases Case-briefing skills: How to read a court case like a lawyer Skills of legal analysis: How to use the law to solve problems and predict outcomes Appendix Choosing databases on Quicklaw, Westlaw, and LexisThis workbook provides exercises that show students how to read, research, and analyze problems like a lawyer. The exercises focus the student's attention on the skills used to discern relevant information, to identify legal questions, to research effectively, and to resolve legal problems.The purpose of this workbook is to provide students of law with an opportunity to practise and hone their research and analytical skills. Intended as an introduction to legal research methodology, the workbook attempts to use plain language to introduce legal terminology and concepts. It offers an overview of the various methods of solving legal problems, the research sources available, and how to use research effectively.The idea of using a workbook to teach legal research and writing is inspired by the questions and interests of students and instructors in the Legal Research and Writing Program at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. We wanted to provide more opportunity for students to practise and develop their skills. The workbook begins at a basic level and gradually introduces students to the more difficult task of using the law to solve problems and answer questions. Our objective is to allow students to develop and hone a reliable methodology to use when tackling legal problems.