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PLA 3106: Legal Research & Writing

This guide is dedicated to the Legal Research and Writing course.

Evaluation Criteria

Some things to consider in evaluating all types of sources*:


Currency: Is the information current and up-to-date?


Relevance: Does the information have anything to do with your topic?


Authority: Is it authoritative?


Accuracy: Is reliable and true?


Purpose: Why does the information exist?


Check the acronym.  Did your website pass the CRAAP Test?!

*Criteria adapted from the CRAAP Test, Meriam Library, California State University, Chico

 

Primary Legal Authorities

Examples of primary legal authority include constitutions,  statutes, and case law. 

Primary Authorities are: 

Constitutions

Court opinions

Legislation/statutes

Administrative Rules and Regulations

Court Rules