Legal research guide

Research and verification

1. 01

   Define the issue and the decision

   Write the question you need answered. Record the dates, parties and desired outcome, and mark which facts are disputed.

2. 02

   Match each fact to evidence

   Build a timeline and identify the document or other evidence for each material event. Distinguish what is established from what still needs proof.

3. 03

   Identify the law applicable at the relevant date

   Record the instrument, article and publication details. Check the original, subsequent amendments and commencement or transitional rules against the date of the facts.

4. 04

   Test the authority of judgments and commentary

   Record the court, case number and date. Read the reasoning in full and compare the decisive facts. Treat commentary as explanation and verify the underlying authority separately.

5. 05

   Verify the procedure and deadline

   Check jurisdiction, standing, documents, filing method and any deadline. Record the event that starts the clock and the basis on which the deadline was calculated.

6. 06

   Record the result and open questions

   Summarize what the evidence and law support, what could alter the answer and what you still need. Record the date on which you checked the material.