Question about case law

[daddymikey1975]

I'm wanting to search for case law for a particular topic/subject to see if there is prior precedent.

How can a mere mortal do such a thing ? (without the expense of a lawyer?)

Most of my google.fu has turned up paid stuff or lawyerly websites.

 

[CathyInBlue]

Gotta learn how to SHEPARDIZE!

How To Shepardize

 

[daddymikey1975]

Thanks CIB but that seems over my head.

I don't have any other cases to draw from in order TO shepardize. That's where I'm stuck. Where to look to begin ?

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

I think there is a site called Findlaw where you can enter search terms for what you are looking for.

 

[HoughMade]

The answer is- yes, you can do it. However, without access to the tools lawyers have, it is much more difficult.

There are law libraries all over the state which are open to the public. However, knowing how to use them usually takes a new law student at least a semester to master. A bit difficult, but anyone can learn it.

 

[daddymikey1975]

The answer is- yes, you can do it. However, without access to the tools lawyers have, it is much more difficult.

There are law libraries all over the state which are open to the public. However, knowing how to use them usually takes a new law student at least a semester to master. A bit difficult, but anyone can learn it.

Are these law libraries online or paper/book ?

 

[HoughMade]

Paper. That's still the best way for the non-lawyer to research, or at least to check whether a given case is good law.

I don't think you want to pay what my firm does for online research.

 

[daddymikey1975]

Paper. That's still the best way for the non-lawyer to research, or at least to check whether a given case is good law.

I don't think you want to pay what my firm does for online research.

I'll never find anything that way

 

[Fargo]

What are you trying to find out?

 

[daddymikey1975]

What are you trying to find out?

In short, I'm trying to find case law that supports when trial courts determine that a spouse "is" disabled. What is their definition.. is it 'the receipt of social security disability' benefits ? what criteria does a trial court use when determining that a spouse is disabled. This is important because that determination (whomever makes it) is the basis for an order in the final decree of spousal maintenance.

 

[Tactical Dave]

Paper. That's still the best way for the non-lawyer to research, or at least to check whether a given case is good law.

I don't think you want to pay what my firm does for online research.

do you charge in bacon by the pound or by the ton?

 

[HoughMade]

I'll give a "friends and family" rate of about 36 lbs. of bacon per hour.

My advice is to Google the subject matter including the term "case law" for a start, but there is no good way to do a thorough job without Shepardizing (paper or online), or using Westlaw's similar service.