Print vs Online Sources

Definition

Print vs online sources refers to the distinction between traditional printed materials, such as books and articles, and digital formats available on the internet. Understanding this difference is crucial for evaluating the credibility and accessibility of information used in legal writing and research, especially when citing secondary sources that can influence arguments and legal reasoning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Print sources are often seen as more credible due to rigorous editorial processes before publication, while online sources can vary widely in quality.
2. Citing print sources typically follows traditional citation styles like Bluebook or APA, while online sources may require additional elements like retrieval dates or URLs.
3. Online sources can be easily updated, making them valuable for current information, but this also means they can change after being cited.
4. Using a combination of print and online sources can enhance research quality by providing diverse perspectives and more comprehensive coverage of a topic.
5. When using online sources, it is essential to critically assess their reliability, checking for authorship, publication date, and the publisher's reputation.

Review Questions

• How do print and online sources differ in terms of credibility and reliability when used for legal writing?
  • Print sources often have a more established reputation for credibility because they undergo a rigorous editorial process before publication. This scrutiny can lead to higher reliability compared to online sources, which may not always have such checks in place. However, online sources can provide up-to-date information quickly. It's important for legal writers to evaluate both types of sources carefully to determine their trustworthiness in supporting legal arguments.
• What are some key considerations when citing online sources versus print sources in legal writing?
  • When citing print sources in legal writing, standard citation formats such as Bluebook or APA are typically followed without additional details. In contrast, online source citations may require inclusion of the retrieval date and the specific URL where the information was accessed. This is crucial because online content can change over time. Being precise in citations ensures that readers can verify the source material accurately.
• Evaluate the impact of using both print and online sources on the overall effectiveness of legal research.
  • Utilizing both print and online sources significantly enhances the effectiveness of legal research by providing a broader range of information. Print sources offer established credibility and depth through peer-reviewed content, while online resources deliver current insights and immediate access to a variety of viewpoints. This combination allows researchers to build stronger arguments backed by authoritative references while staying informed about recent developments in law and related fields.

Related terms

Citation: A reference to a source of information or data, which allows readers to locate the original material used in research or writing.

Credibility: The quality of being trusted and believed in, which is essential when evaluating sources for accuracy, reliability, and authority.

Secondary Sources: Materials that analyze, interpret, or summarize primary sources, such as legal textbooks, articles, and commentaries that provide context or commentary on the law.