New York Civil Practice Research   Tags: legislative history, new york  

This guide is designed for you to use the tabs sequentially.  The Issue/Issue Spotting tab has a hypothetical that is used throughout the guide.  There are images of examples*  of the print resources.  You can find the similar features in online resources (Lexis and Westlaw) as well.

*(Although out of date, they accurately illustrate the research skill.  Always make sure the resources you use are not outdated.)

1. Check Secondary sources - especially Commentaries
2. READ STATUTE using an annotated code (print or online)
   
3. UPDATE your research
4. Ask questions - investigate Research Guides

Do I ever have to use the books?

• Print v. Online
  This is a false dichotomy. Depending upon the issue one or the other may be preferable. Typically a combination of both types of resources will prove most useful.
  
  Online research tends to be more productive when:
  • your research concept involves a "term of art" - e.g., "self incrimination"
  • you need up-to-date information
  • you need to Shepardize/ Keycite
  
  Online research is less useful when:
  • you are unfamiliar with the terminology of the issue -e.g., in New York, procedural rules to sue an administrative agency are referred to as "special proceedings".
  • there are many different ways to express the concept you are researching - words v. ideas - e.g., what is the definition of a contract partner in a law firm