Truncation

Definition

Truncation is a search technique used in legal research that allows researchers to find variations of a word by shortening it with a symbol, usually an asterisk (*). This method is incredibly useful in effective statutory research as it broadens the search results to include different word endings, ensuring that no relevant information is missed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Truncation allows for the inclusion of various word forms in searches, such as plural forms and different tenses, enhancing the comprehensiveness of research.
2. Using truncation can significantly save time during research by reducing the number of individual searches needed for related terms.
3. Most legal research databases support truncation, making it a widely applicable technique across different platforms.
4. The placement of the truncation symbol is crucial; it should be placed at the end of the root word to ensure that all variations are captured.
5. While truncation is powerful, it can also lead to irrelevant results if overused, making it important to combine it with other techniques for optimal effectiveness.

Review Questions

• How does truncation enhance the efficiency of legal research?
  • Truncation enhances the efficiency of legal research by allowing researchers to capture all variations of a word with a single search. For example, searching for 'law*' would include results for 'law,' 'laws,' 'lawyer,' and 'lawful,' which saves time and ensures comprehensive coverage of relevant material. This technique reduces the need for multiple searches and allows researchers to quickly gather pertinent information.
• In what ways can combining truncation with Boolean operators improve search outcomes in statutory research?
  • Combining truncation with Boolean operators can significantly refine search outcomes in statutory research. By using truncation to capture variations of keywords while applying operators like AND or OR, researchers can narrow down their results to the most relevant documents. For instance, searching for 'law* AND public' will yield results that pertain specifically to various aspects of law related to public issues, thus improving the relevance of findings.
• Evaluate the potential drawbacks of using truncation in legal research and suggest strategies to mitigate these issues.
  • The potential drawbacks of using truncation in legal research include retrieving irrelevant results due to overly broad searches, which can lead to wasted time sifting through unrelated information. To mitigate these issues, researchers should pair truncation with specific keywords and Boolean operators to limit the scope of results. Additionally, reviewing search parameters regularly and adjusting them based on initial findings can help maintain focus and relevance throughout the research process.

Related terms

Wildcard: A character used in search queries to represent one or more unspecified characters, often used alongside truncation to enhance search flexibility.

Boolean Operators: Logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT that are used to combine or exclude keywords in search queries to refine results.

Keyword Search: A search method that uses specific words or phrases to locate relevant legal documents, statutes, or cases within databases.