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Shepardize: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Research and Citations
Definition & Meaning
Shepardize refers to a legal research technique used to find appellate court decisions that cite previous cases or statutes. This method relies on Shepard's Citations, which are comprehensive books listing the volume and page numbers of published reports for every appellate decision that references earlier case law. These volumes are categorized into various groups, including:
State and regional citators
Federal citators
Specialized practice area citators
Other products, such as Shepard's Acts and Cases by Popular Names
Shepard's volumes are updated monthly with supplemental booklets and are also available through online legal research platforms.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Shepardizing is commonly used in various areas of law, including civil, criminal, and family law. Legal professionals utilize this method to ensure that the cases they are referencing are still valid and to understand how prior rulings may affect current cases. Users can manage some aspects of this research independently by using legal templates and resources available through platforms like US Legal Forms.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, a lawyer preparing for a trial may use Shepardizing to find cases that have cited a landmark decision on negligence. This helps them build a strong argument based on established legal precedents.
(Hypothetical example) A law student might Shepardize a case to understand how different courts have interpreted a specific statute over time, providing insight into potential outcomes in similar situations.
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Shepardizing Resources
California
Utilizes specific state citators for local case law.
New York
Has unique resources for state-specific legal precedents.
Texas
Employs both state and federal citators for comprehensive research.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Shepardizing
A method of verifying the validity of legal cases.
Focuses on citations and precedents.
Legal Research
The broader practice of investigating legal issues.
Includes statutes, regulations, and case law beyond citations.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you need to Shepardize a case, start by accessing a reliable legal research platform or consult the latest Shepard's volumes. Consider using US Legal Forms for templates and guidance to assist in your legal matters. If the situation is complex, seeking professional legal help may be beneficial.
Find the legal form that fits your case
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