STRATEGIES FOR RESEARCHING A STATE LAW PROBLEM When facing any
research problem that involves unfamiliar territory, the wisest
approach is to take some time at the outset to acquire
background information. Without knowledge of the terminology and
the issues, one can waste an inordinate amount of time
unsuccessfully searching for primary sources in either print
indexes or full text databases. Secondary sources are good
places to gain helpful background information. Hornbooks cover
broad legal topics, but may at least provide a paragraph or two
about a particular subject that could serve as an overall
framework. Law review articles deal with topics in greater
detail and may give, in many instances, more information than is
needed. If approached carefully, however, they can arm the
novice with terms that will make searching and reading the
primary sources an easier task. One should never view use of a
secondary source as a substitute for the primary sources and
indexes of the particular jurisdiction, but they ca