The Law To Know

Free living map

Legal Research and Writing: A Living Map

Good legal writing rests on good research: frame the question, start with secondary sources to learn the area, find primary authority (cases, statutes, regulations), and validate it with a citator. The writing then follows the purpose: an objective memo that predicts, or a brief that persuades, polished by editing, and drafting for clients. Press Play to watch the map build, click an idea for its definition and the usual trap, or trace a short case. A simplified teaching map of the general approach (mainly US law); check the law where you work.

Hover over an idea to light up what it connects to, click it for its definition, minimum requirements, an example and the usual trap, press Play to watch the map build step by step, or trace a short case through it.

Simplified teaching map, in general terms. Check the law where you work. On a small screen, scroll the map sideways.

Learn it properly

The full lecture, exercises and quiz behind this map are in Legal Research and Writing: Module 1, and that module is free to read.

More living maps