This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe the steps a paralegal should take to map out a research strategy. Help with this, ... (Read 100 times)

lidoalex

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 538
Describe the steps a paralegal should take to map out a research strategy.
 
  Help with this, thanks.

Question 2

Describe the IRAC method of briefing a case.
 
  What is most important in briefing a case?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

Zebsrer

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 284
Answer to Question 1

The steps a paralegal should take to map out a research strategy are as follows:

Step One: Identify the IssueAnalyze the facts and identify the issue(s) involved.
Step Two: Identify Secondary SourcesIf unfamiliar with the topic that he is going to research, the paralegal should begin by doing some background research. He can choose from a variety of secondary sources, such as legal encyclopedias and treatises. Because organization is a key component of research, he should make a complete checklist so that he does not have to return to the same source later. He should be sure to check for updates in the pocket part of any secondary source consulted.
Step Three: Identify Primary SourcesNext, the paralegal should consult the various primary sources of law applicable to the issue at hand, such as federal and state statutes and constitutions and relevant case law. He should be sure to check the pocket parts as well, when applicable.
Step Four: Update and Verify Research ResultsAfter finding and reading relevant cases, he will have to verify in Shepard's that they are still good law. Shepard's will also provide an additional source of case law because it includes every subsequent case that cited the case being Shepardized. As a final measure, the paralegal should use an online citator to verify that his research results are as up to date as possible.
Having completed his research, the paralegal will prepare a memorandum of law to inform his supervisor of his findings.

Answer to Question 2

A standard format for briefing cases is called the IRAC method, referring to issue, rule, application, and conclusion. This method involves the following steps:
First, decide what legal issues are involved in the case.
Next, determine the rule of law that applies to the issues.
After identifying the applicable law, determine the application of the law to the facts of the case (also called the holding).
Finally, draw a conclusion, which is the determination of the court after it has applied the law to the case.
Different lawyers and law offices have different preferences for the format to be used in briefing cases. What is most important is accuracy in explaining the key facts, the issues under consideration, the rule of law or legal reasoning used by the court, the application of the law, and the conclusion resulting from that application.





 

Did you know?

Amphetamine poisoning can cause intravascular coagulation, circulatory collapse, rhabdomyolysis, ischemic colitis, acute psychosis, hyperthermia, respiratory distress syndrome, and pericarditis.

Did you know?

A cataract is a clouding of the eyes' natural lens. As we age, some clouding of the lens may occur. The first sign of a cataract is usually blurry vision. Although glasses and other visual aids may at first help a person with cataracts, surgery may become inevitable. Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision, and it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States.

Did you know?

Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone. In women who are at least 5 years beyond menopause, it slows bone loss and increases spinal bone density.

Did you know?

Allergies play a major part in the health of children. The most prevalent childhood allergies are milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood.

Did you know?

Children with strabismus (crossed eyes) can be treated. They are not able to outgrow this condition on their own, but with help, it can be more easily corrected at a younger age. It is important for infants to have eye examinations as early as possible in their development and then another at age 2 years.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library