Online Legal Research

Step 1: define your legal issue When you're just getting started, there are a few things to figure out about your legal issue—like, is it a criminal or civil case? Which laws apply—municipal, state, federal? And, what area of the law represents your issue? Once you have answers to these questions, you can start researching and learning about possible outcomes and next steps. Is this a true legal issue? First you need to determine whether you have a legal issue or simply a problem. Maybe you don't like your downstairs neighbor playing loud music during the day. But, if they're not breaking any laws, what you have is a personal matter, not a legal one. Can I sue? If you've determined that your problem is a legal one, you might be wondering if you can sue. While in theory you can pretty much sue anyone for anything, the reality is that doing so is often a waste of time and money. It's always a good idea to consult with an attorney to determine whether you can take your...