Secondary source Excellent way to flesh out an issue before

delving into case law research Summary, analysis, and critique of the

law Cross references to primary sources Broad overview of law

National: American Jurisprudence 2d (West Publishing)

State-Specific New York Jurisprudence 2d (West Publishing)

Topic-Specific Encyclopedia of the American Constitution

(Macmillan)

Table of Contents Detailed and Summary

Index Table of Cases/Authorities Multiple volumes, usually topic specific

E.x. NY Jurisprudence Business Relationships Summary of law with case and statutory

references

You are assigned the task of researching (and eventually writing) an appellate brief for your research and writing class.

Your argument involves the constitutionality of the “photo identification” procedure used by police.

Where do you begin learning about this concept?

In class discussion

Log on to Westlaw and search for “New York Jurisprudence” to find the database

Once in the NY Jur database, you can either search with terms and connectors or browse in the table of contents

By drilling down through the table of contents, you are able to find the sections you need for beginning your research

Many libraries retain the print editions of NY Jurisprudence, and in law firms, it will be more cost-effective to start with print.

Start with the index. What are some key terms? Identification, photo identification, eyewitness

identification

The term “identification” leads us to “Description or identification” Photos or photographs

General discussion see Crimproc § 696-702 For detailed treatment, see “Pictures and

“photographs” “Pictures and Photographs”

There are a lot of topics under this umbrella. Some helpful ones are: Identification procedures and evidence,

informing witness that suspect has been arrested, mugshot, prejudicial nature