a. Phrases thatll narrow search and yield relevant - searching for authority that can be applied to a given information set of facts and issues b. Consider which branches of government may - Gathering information to support legal theories and have established law decisions 4. Collect Background Information Necessary? a. Primary sources laws, regulations - Each person differs in thinking and reasoning b. Secondary sources commentary - Different lawyering jobs -> Finding a middle ground: o Legal Memo explaining the legal issue to the 5. Search for Authority client a. Primary sources o Pleadings for the judge b. Authoritative, controlling, precedent *Both requires researching c. Bound to stare decisis
Steps for Research Plan 6. Synthesizing Arguments
a. Case brief 1. Conducting Factual Analysis b. Legal opinion People involved, place, things, subject-matter c. Legal Memo involved a. Answers Who, why, how, where, when 7. Update & Verify > (Who) relationship a. Make sure the laws are still good > (Where) answers jurisdiction where to b. Make sure cases are current file it > (When) answers prescription Per Curiam ruling issued by multiple judges he decision rendered is made by the court (or at least, a majority of the Kinds of Murder: Parasite, Homicide, Murder court) acting collectively (and typically, though not necessarily, 2. Identifying Legal Issue unanimously) a. Case of action/ground for defense En Banc - decision by the full court of all the appeals judges in b. Relief sought jurisdictions where there is more than one three- or four-judge c. Will help determine relevant facts panel.