This step in your research requires extensive, in-depth research utilizing multiple materials and resources. The research question and completing the pre-emption check and preliminary research will identify the types of materials (e.g., case law, historical information, policy documents, etc.) needed. Attempting extensive research without a clear idea of what needs to be found is ineffective and inefficient.
The Law Library's research guides can be good starting points for identifying specific resources based on topic or jurisdiction. These guides identify the core sources for primary law and secondary sources (e.g., treatises, practice manuals, databases, etc.). Lauinger Library (Georgetown University's main campus library) also has research guides identifying resources, including article databases, for non-legal topics, such as sociology, economics, education, etc.
General techniques used by researchers to identify resources:
- Mine the citations of the resources identified during the preemption check and background research. Use the citations to identify relevant resources used by the author. Legal databases often hyperlink a cited item if it is also available in that database. If the materials aren't hyperlinked, perform a title search in the Law Library's catalog to determine if the item is available. If it is not in the catalog, use Interlibrary Loan or Consortium Loan to access items not held at the Law Library. The Librarians at the Reference Desk are always happy to assist with finding materials from a citation.
- Pay attention to the authors of things found in the pre-emption check and preliminary research. Is there an author repeatedly cited to or mentioned often? What types of resources have authors in the subject area used?
- Use Westlaw or Lexis citator functions to update cases, statutes, and regulations. Use the annotations to find additional related and relevant primary law and secondary sources. Use the headnotes and topics in Westlaw and Lexis to find additional case law with the same legal issue or subject.
- Ask a Reference Librarian for help when you can't find materials you need, including non-legal or non-academic materials, such as administrative materials, research reports, or company information.
