Legal+Research+Paper

Four options for the form and content of your paper:

 * 1) ====**Case note:** examines arguments, reasoning, and holding(s) of a single decision of the Supreme Court or a lower appellate court====
 * 2) ====**Judicial opinion:** resolving the issues raised in a case====
 * 3) ====**Press release / journalistic piece:** describes, comments upon, and/or analyzes a judicial ruling, statute, or public policy issue====
 * 4) ====**General research paper:** explores and critiques the state of the law in a specific area in light of its effectiveness or perceived social needs====

**Research process:**
Take a close look! They may also contain references to other books and articles you can use for your paper. //[|Encyclopedia of American Civil Rights & Liberties]// (reference book) //[|West's Encyclopedia of American Law]// (reference book) //[|Encyclopedia of the American Judicial System]// (reference book) //[|American Law Yearbook 2007]// (e-book) [|LII - Legal Information Institute] (web site)
 * **Explore your topic, or browse these resources to find a good topic**

- Start with a keyword search, then try out some of the subject headings you find along the way. - The library has many electronic books and videos (look for the link that says "Electronic Resource -click to connect") - Remember to click "Cite this" to have the catalog format your citations for you (check a style manual for accuracy) - If you need more sources, click the OhioLINK button; your requested items will be available in a few days
 * **Check the [|library catalog] for books and media items on your topic**

[|LexisNexis Academic] - for search tips, click here (legal resources including cases) [|PAIS] (articles, books, government documents, other public affairs literature) [|Academic Search Complete] [|Masterfile Premier] (general periodicals)
 * **Use the** **[|Indexes/Databases]** **link on the library web site to find articles, cases, and other resources.** Often, the full text is available directly through the database. If you don't see a link to full text, click "Find It!" and the system will check for hardcopy holdings, or for full text that may be available in another database.

- Use "Cite this" in the library catalog - Use the "cite this article" or "format citation as" options available in some databases - Use a citation generator website such as [|Noodle Bib Express] - Always check an authoritative print or online style manual to make sure your citations are correct
 * **Cite your sources!**


 * If you decide to "Google it," remember to check your results to make sure they are authoritative and trustworthy. Use the library's CRAP Test to make sure. Start with these [|Weblinks] selected by the library.


 * Visit the Ursuline College [|Writing Lab] in Mullen 312. Call 440-449-2049 to make an appointment.

Remember to [|contact us] if you have any questions! We're here to help you!