Guide to Legal Research

Helen Bronleigh
Law and Business Library
February 2005

updated by Anne Greenshields, January 2006

Introduction

The aim of this guide is to provide law students with an introduction to the principles and methods of legal research. The guide is intended to be a starting point to assist you to locate legal materials, using the resources available at Murdoch University Library.

Please ask at the Reference Desk (North Wing Level 3) and during semester at the Legal Research Assistance desk (South Wing Level 3) if you need assistance with locating library materials or develop research strategies.

What is Legal Research?

Legal research is the process of finding the law relevant to a particular situation.

How do I carry out effective legal research?

In order to carry out effective legal research, you need to know what resources are available, and when and how to use them.  This guide will introduce you to the main types of materials found in a law library, concentrating in particular on Australian Legal resources.

Legal materials are divided into two types: primary and secondary sources.  When carrying out legal research, it is generally better to start with the secondary sources.  These will lead you to the main goal of your research, the relevant cases and legislation.