NFPA Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE)Legal ResearchMedium
A paralegal is researching the historical development of a particular legal concept in a specific state. Which type of secondary source would likely offer the most comprehensive and scholarly analysis, often including extensive footnotes and discussions of policy implications?
- ALegal Encyclopedia
- BLegal Dictionary
- CPractice Guide
- DLaw Review Article
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Law Review Article
Law review articles are scholarly publications that provide in-depth analysis of specific legal topics, often exploring historical context, policy implications, and offering critical perspectives. They typically include extensive footnotes to primary and other secondary sources.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Legal encyclopedias provide broad overviews of legal topics but lack the in-depth, critical analysis of law review articles.
- B. Legal dictionaries define legal terms, but do not provide historical analysis or policy discussions.
- C. Practice guides offer practical advice for legal procedures but generally do not delve into scholarly historical or policy analysis.
Law Review Article
A scholarly publication, typically written by law students or professors, that provides in-depth analysis of specific legal issues.
- Often explores novel or complex legal topics.
- Includes extensive research and footnotes.
- Can be highly persuasive secondary authority.
Memory trick: For deep dives, law reviews are the true scholarly guides.