Legal Research and Filing Flashcards

What is the 'Federal Register' used for?

Answer: Publishing proposed and final federal agency rules and regulations

The Federal Register is the official daily publication of the US government that contains proposed and final federal agency rules, regulations, executive orders, and public notices.

What is a 'legal memorandum' used for in law office practice?

Answer: An objective analysis of a legal issue prepared for the supervising attorney or client

A legal memorandum is an internal document that objectively analyzes a legal question by identifying the relevant issue, applicable law, application to the facts, and conclusion.

What does 'stare decisis' mean in the context of legal research?

Answer: The doctrine that courts should follow precedent established in prior decisions

Stare decisis is the legal doctrine that courts should follow precedent from prior decisions when the same issue arises, promoting consistency and predictability in the law.

What is a 'slip opinion'?

Answer: The first official publication of a court decision, before it appears in bound reporters

A slip opinion is the initial publication of a court decision, released shortly after it is issued, before it has been edited, corrected, and published in bound reporters.

What is the purpose of a 'table of authorities' in a legal brief?

Answer: To list all cases, statutes, and other authorities cited in the brief with page numbers

A table of authorities is a required section in most court briefs that lists every case, statute, regulation, and other authority cited in the document, along with the page numbers where each is cited.

What is 'Google Scholar' useful for in legal research?

Answer: Free access to federal and state court opinions and law review articles

Google Scholar provides free public access to a large database of federal and state court opinions as well as law review and journal articles, making basic legal research accessible without paid subscriptions.