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Basic Legal Research Tips

General tips for starting your research and determining when it's okay to stop researching

5) When to Stop

  • Don't waste your time
    • Research is a recursive process. As you learn more about the law you may need to modify your research plan to look at things that did not seem relevant at first.
  • When you keep finding the same things in your research results you don’t need to look any longer.
  • Don't stop too soon
    • Make sure you have identified all the issues necessary to fully research your problem.
    • Remember to look at each issue from both sides, not just what causes of action exist, but also what defenses and procedural challenges could be brought.
  • Make sure you answer the question asked of you!