Conducting legal research

Question 1

Step 1

Answer 1

1. Analyse and Understand the problem
2. Identify the legal question arising from a set of facts
3. Identify key words

Question 2

Step 2

Answer 2

1. Find and collect the relevant information in primary sources
2. Legislation
3. Case law ( Always consult the case from the highest court first. If cases have been decided at the same level then consult the latest judgement first. )

Question 3

Step 3

Answer 3

1. Find and collect information in secondary sources
2. Legal Encyclopaedias - similar to a dictionary, Textbooks, Law Journals, South African Law Reform Commission reports, Foreign statutes and case law Newspapers, websites

Question 4

Step 4

Answer 4

1. Organise your data

2. Try to integrate the sources

Question 5

Step 5

Answer 5

1. Write it down

2. Organize and plan your response carefully