Purdue LS204 2020 MAY Unit 6 Discussion Latest

LS204 Legal Research and Writing

Unit 6 Discussion

Online research has revolutionized a researcher’s ability to efficiently locate information relating to a legal matter. It also allows a researcher to ensure that information is accurate and current. However, there are also some drawbacks to online legal research. One of the major concerns of small law firms with a limited budget is the cost for a subscription service like Westlaw or Lexis.

Distinguish the Difference

Perform some research using Westlaw to determine the elements required for murder in your jurisdiction. Explore the law to determine how your jurisdiction breaks it down. Share the statute, citation and the steps taken to find it in Westlaw. Then conduct an internet search to find the same statute defining murder in your jurisdiction. Explain the steps for finding the statute using the internet. Which resource did you prefer working with when finding your statute? What are the benefits of using the Westlaw system over using the internet? What are the challenges of the using either system for your research? Compare your findings to classmates to see if any trends can be identified?