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Searching in Law

Helpful hints

Starting your legal research? Use these tips to guide your process and stay organised.

Starting legal research

1) Understand the task

  • Clarify the legal issue or question being asked.
  • Identify the relevant jurisdiction (e.g. NSW, Commonwealth).
  • Work out whether you’re researching legislation, case law, or both.

2) Plan your research

  • Highlight key legal terms or concepts to use in searches. Learn more on how to break down your research question to identify the key concepts.
  • Choose the right database or resource (e.g. Westlaw AU, Lexis, AustLII).
  • Use legal encyclopedias, textbooks, or dictionaries for background understanding.

3) Search and refine

  • Start with legislation or key cases relevant to your topic.
  • Use case citators like CaseBase to check case history and treatment.
  • Explore journal articles, law reform reports, and legal commentary for analysis and context.

4) Analyse and apply

  • Use frameworks like IRAC to structure your response.
  • Focus on authoritative sources—legislation, leading cases, and trusted commentary.
  • Be mindful of whether the law has changed or been overturned.

5) Document and cite

  • Keep detailed notes of cases, legislation, and articles you use.
  • Use the correct citation style (e.g. AGLC4) from the beginning.
  • Double-check citations for accuracy and consistency before submitting your work.

6) Ask for help

Library support is available no matter what stage you are up to: