Chpt 7 Flashcards
econdary source of law
sis not the law itself. It is someone’s interpretation or explanation of the law.most secondary sources provide references or citations to the
Descriptive Word Index
—An alphabetized list of words or phrases describing subjects discussed in the text. The index directs you to the page or section in the text where the material is covered; it is usually located at the end of the secondary source material. Multivolume works often contain separate volumes located at the end of the set containing the index. By identifying key words in your research problem, you are able to check these terms in an index and find the appropriate sections in the secondary source.
Table of Contents—
A detailed list of topics covered in the text that precedes the text material. This is organized in the same order as the material appears in the text; similar and related topics are usually grouped together. A table of contents provides an overview of the material covered.
Table of Statutes Cited—
A list of statutes or codes discussed in the text. This is usually arranged alphabetically by the name of the code and then numerically within each titled code. If the code has no name, it is arranged numerically. The table of statutes tells you where in the text material the code section is found. If you know of a code section that applies to your research problem, you can check the table of statutes cited to find a section of the text in which the code section is cited.
Table of Cases Cited—
A list of cases cited in the text material, arranged alphabetically by the plaintiff’s name; sometimes also arranged alphabetically by the defendant’s name. This table normally provides the case citation and a reference to the page or section in the text material where the case appears; sometimes called “Plaintiff/Defendant Index” or “Defendant/Plaintiff Index.”
Table of Abbreviations—
A list of all abbreviations used in the text including those used for case reporters and other legal sources. This is an important feature to check because many secondary sources do not use standard or approved abbreviations for legal sources.
Preface—
A description of the contents and purpose of the material; often contains an explanation of how to use the material.
Parallel Reference Tables—
Tables included in works that are published in more than one series or edition. These tables show the reader how to find in the new editions material contained in the original editions.
Pocket Part Supplement—
Many print versions of secondary sources are supplemented in the way that codes are, that is, with pocket part supplements.
Legal encyclopedias
are multivolume works containing comprehensive and thorough discussions of a variety of legal topics arranged alphabetically.
electronic search query
Words that constitute a search request when using electronically stored data, that is, information on the Internet or on a CD-ROM.
supplemented
Kept up to date.
superseded
Replaced.
treatise
Either one book or a multivolume series of books dealing with one legal topic.
hornbook
Name given to books published by West that are a type of treatise; commonly used by law students.
