Practices

Legal research is generally the process of finding an answer to a legal question or checking for legal precedent that can be cited in a brief or at trial. Sometimes, legal research can help determine whether a legal issue is a "case of first impression" that is unregulated or lacks legal precedent.  Sources of legal information range from printed books, to free legal research websites and information portals to fee based database vendors. Legal research is performed by anyone with a need for legal information, including lawyers, law librarians, and paralegals.