CJS (Corpus Juris Secundum)

Definition

CJS, or Corpus Juris Secundum, is a comprehensive legal encyclopedia that serves as a key reference tool for legal professionals. It organizes legal principles and case law into a systematic structure, covering a wide range of legal topics, making it easier to locate relevant information. This resource is essential for understanding the development and interpretation of laws across various jurisdictions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CJS was first published in 1936 and has since grown into one of the most respected legal encyclopedias in the United States.
2. The encyclopedia consists of multiple volumes organized alphabetically by topics, making it user-friendly for quick reference.
3. CJS includes citations to cases, statutes, and secondary sources, which help users trace the evolution of legal principles over time.
4. Each entry in CJS provides a concise overview of the law as well as relevant case law examples to illustrate its application.
5. The use of CJS is essential for both practicing attorneys and law students as it helps in building a foundational understanding of complex legal issues.

Review Questions

• How does Corpus Juris Secundum enhance the research capabilities of legal professionals?
  • Corpus Juris Secundum enhances the research capabilities of legal professionals by providing an organized and accessible resource that summarizes key legal principles across various topics. It presents case law examples and citations that help users quickly locate relevant information without sifting through numerous individual cases. This efficiency allows attorneys to focus on applying the law to their specific cases while ensuring they have a solid understanding of the underlying legal principles.
• In what ways does CJS differ from other types of secondary legal sources like treatises or online databases?
  • CJS differs from treatises in that it provides brief overviews of legal topics rather than in-depth analysis of specific areas of law. While treatises focus on extensive commentary and detailed exploration, CJS serves as a broad reference tool that quickly summarizes principles. Compared to online databases like Westlaw, which offer access to a wide array of primary and secondary sources, CJS acts as a standalone encyclopedia focused specifically on summarizing legal doctrines and citing case law.
• Evaluate the role of CJS in the context of legal education and its impact on developing legal reasoning skills.
  • CJS plays a significant role in legal education by serving as a foundational resource that helps students grasp complex legal concepts and doctrines. By summarizing vast areas of law and providing case citations, it allows students to build their understanding efficiently. The structured nature of CJS encourages critical thinking as students learn to analyze how legal principles apply in real-world situations. This ultimately fosters their ability to develop robust legal reasoning skills necessary for effective practice.

Related terms

Legal Encyclopedia: A legal encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work that provides summaries and explanations of legal topics, statutes, and case law, intended to assist legal research.

Westlaw: Westlaw is an online legal research service that provides access to an extensive database of legal resources, including case law, statutes, and secondary sources like legal encyclopedias.

Treatise: A treatise is a formal and systematic written work on a specific legal subject, providing in-depth analysis and commentary on the law.