Understanding Legal Case Studies: Impact on Legal Education and Practice

Case Studies in Legal Research: Exploring Legal Cases and Their Impact

During their legal education and beyond, law students and professionals often delve into the world of case studies to understand complex legal issues and the landmark cases that have shaped the law. Case studies provide a lens into the nuances of the judicial system, offering context and insights that can inform legal theory and practice.

Case Study Examples

Research assistants have the opportunity to engage in case studies through various projects, such as:

1. Exploring Abortion Rights Law students Emily Bell and Marrissa Pasker researched abortion rights, focusing on the Dobbs case, to assist Professor Mark Kende in preparing a symposium speech.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Constitutional Law Johnny Nguyen researched the interplay of AI and constitutional law, working on a project that supported Professor Kende's scholarship.

3. Corporate Governance and Organizational Compliance Julia Harrison, a research assistant for Professor Joe Yockey, researched a myriad of issues, including corrupt family enterprises and recent direct/derivative shareholder lawsuits.

Research Techniques for Case Studies

To conduct a thorough case study, researchers should utilize the following resources:

1. Secondary Sources These sources include legal encyclopedias, law review articles, and legal treatises, which provide context and analysis on legal topics.

2. Case Law Research Access legal databases like Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg Law to search case law, headnotes, topics, and citators.

3. Legal Research Skills Building strong research skills is crucial for conducting case studies, as it enables researchers to locate relevant information efficiently and effectively.

The Impact of Case Studies

Case studies not only inform legal theory and practice but also:

1. Improve Legal Research Skills Engaging in case studies helps individuals develop proficiency in locating, assessing, and utilizing legal sources, which is invaluable in a legal career.

2. Enhance Professional Networking Working with faculty members on case studies provides opportunities to build relationships that can lead to future collaborations and job prospects.

3. Develop Legal Writing Skills Writing case studies, memoranda, or legal briefs sharpens legal writing skills, which are essential for effective communication in the legal field.

4. Foster a Passion for Legal Research Engaging in case studies can spark a passion for legal research and inquiry, leading to career paths that may not have been initially considered.

Conclusion

Case studies play a vital role in legal education and practice, offering valuable insights into the judicial system and legal theory. By engaging in case studies, law students and professionals can develop essential legal research skills, improve their professional networks, and foster a passion for legal exploration. As a result, case studies contribute to a deeper understanding of the law and its impact on society.