This chapter examines the sources of domestic law. There are two sources of law (primary sources and secondary sources). Primary sources are considered to be those ‘authoritative’ sources that are produced by the legal process itself. Secondary sources are sources that are produced by others and are, in essence, a commentary on the law. Primary sources of law include statutory material and this itself is divided into two types of material: primary legislation (Acts of Parliament) and secondary legislation (Statutory Instruments, Orders in Council, etc). Statutes are Acts of Parliament and are either Public Acts (Acts that are of general application) or Private Acts (which are limited to a certain body). An Act will normally have to pass both the House of Commons and House of Lords and then receive Royal Assent before it becomes an Act of Parliament.
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This chapter examines the sources of domestic law. There are two sources of law (primary sources and secondary sources). Primary sources are considered to be those ‘authoritative’ sources that are produced by the legal process itself. Secondary sources are sources that are produced by others and are, in essence, a commentary on the law. Primary sources of law include statutory material and this itself is divided into two types of material: primary legislation (Acts of Parliament) and secondary legislation (Statutory Instruments, Orders in Council, etc). Statutes are Acts of Parliament and are either Public Acts (Acts that are of general application) or Private Acts (which are limited to a certain body). An Act will normally have to pass both the House of Commons and House of Lords and then receive Royal Assent before it becomes an Act of Parliament.
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Scott Slorach, Judith Embley, Peter Goodchild, and Catherine Shephard
This chapter first explains the purpose of legal research. It then discusses approaches and strategies for carrying out legal research in both academia and practice, which include planning, research techniques, updating, and recording and presenting research. It also considers primary and secondary sources of legal material.
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Scott Slorach, Judith Embley, Peter Goodchild, and Catherine Shephard
This chapter explores legal research and research skills in practice. It explains the purpose of legal research. A practical legal research strategy is provided, and guidance is given on each stage of that strategy. Information is provided about how to analyse a research task. Different types of resources are considered, including primary and secondary sources. Consideration is given to electronic sources, and how to identify a decent electronic source from one which is not appropriate. Information is provided about the most popular online databases, including how to ensure your research is up to date. Finally, guidance is provided about how to record the research trail and how to report the results of the research.
