Research Objectives

Definition

Research objectives are specific goals that guide the legal research process, helping to focus efforts on relevant issues and determine the necessary steps to find pertinent information. They define what the researcher aims to achieve and ensure that the research is efficient and aligned with the needs of a case or legal question, ultimately facilitating effective decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Setting clear research objectives helps streamline the legal research process by directing efforts toward relevant laws, cases, and resources.
2. Research objectives can vary significantly based on the specific legal issue at hand, whether it's litigation, transactional work, or policy analysis.
3. Effective research objectives often include both broad goals and specific questions to guide the researcher’s approach and focus.
4. Establishing research objectives early in the process can save time and resources by preventing unnecessary exploration of irrelevant materials.
5. Good research objectives allow for measurable outcomes, enabling researchers to assess whether they have successfully answered their legal questions.

Review Questions

• How do research objectives influence the efficiency of the legal research process?
  • Research objectives significantly enhance the efficiency of the legal research process by providing a clear focus on what needs to be accomplished. By defining specific goals upfront, researchers can concentrate on relevant materials and avoid wasting time on unrelated information. This targeted approach leads to quicker access to pertinent laws and case precedents, ultimately facilitating more effective problem-solving and decision-making in legal contexts.
• In what ways can poorly defined research objectives negatively impact legal research outcomes?
  • Poorly defined research objectives can lead to confusion and wasted effort in the legal research process. Without clear goals, researchers may drift into irrelevant areas, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate findings. This can hinder the ability to make informed decisions based on reliable information and may ultimately compromise the integrity of legal arguments or strategies being developed.
• Evaluate the importance of tailoring research objectives to specific legal issues and how this practice can enhance overall outcomes in legal cases.
  • Tailoring research objectives to specific legal issues is crucial because it ensures that the research is directly aligned with the unique facts and laws applicable to a case. This practice enhances overall outcomes by focusing efforts on obtaining precise information that addresses the core questions at hand. By customizing objectives, researchers are better equipped to identify relevant primary sources and develop comprehensive strategies, leading to stronger arguments and more effective resolutions in legal matters.

Related terms

Information Retrieval: The process of obtaining information from a database or other information source, often used in legal research to locate relevant statutes, cases, or secondary sources.

Legal Research Plan: A structured outline that details the specific steps and methodologies for conducting legal research, including identifying resources and timelines.

Primary Sources: Original legal documents such as statutes, regulations, and case law that serve as authoritative references in legal research.