Websites and blogs

Definition

Websites and blogs are digital platforms that provide information, opinions, and resources on a wide range of topics, often used for sharing knowledge or fostering communication. They can serve as valuable secondary sources in legal research, offering insights, commentary, and analysis that complement primary legal materials. The accessibility of these platforms has transformed how information is disseminated and consumed, making them essential tools for researchers and practitioners alike.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Websites and blogs can vary widely in credibility, so it's essential to evaluate their reliability before using them as secondary sources.
2. Many legal professionals maintain blogs to share insights about recent cases, legislation changes, or legal principles, contributing to the broader legal discourse.
3. Citing a blog or website requires specific formatting to ensure that readers can locate the source accurately.
4. Some websites aggregate legal resources, offering comprehensive guides or articles that can be useful for both practitioners and students.
5. Blogs often reflect personal perspectives on legal matters, which can provide context but should be supported by primary sources for formal legal arguments.

Review Questions

• How do websites and blogs function as secondary sources in legal research?
  • Websites and blogs serve as secondary sources by providing analyses, interpretations, and commentaries on legal topics. They can summarize complex information from primary legal materials, making it more accessible to researchers. Additionally, these platforms often discuss recent developments in the law, which can help practitioners stay informed about emerging issues and trends.
• What criteria should be used to evaluate the credibility of a website or blog when citing it as a secondary source?
  • To evaluate the credibility of a website or blog, one should consider the author's qualifications, the website's domain (such as .edu or .gov), the presence of citations or references to primary sources, and the overall design and professionalism of the site. Additionally, checking for updates and how frequently the content is published can indicate whether the source is maintained and relevant. Reliable sources enhance the strength of your research when cited correctly.
• Discuss the implications of relying on blogs for legal research and writing in terms of accuracy and bias.
  • Relying on blogs for legal research can introduce concerns regarding accuracy and bias. While some blogs are written by reputable legal professionals who provide valuable insights, others may present personal opinions without adequate support from primary sources. This potential bias can skew interpretations of the law. Therefore, it is crucial to cross-reference blog content with established legal principles and official documents to ensure that conclusions drawn from these sources are accurate and well-founded.

Related terms

Citation: A formal reference to a source of information used to support arguments or claims in legal writing.

Secondary Source: Materials that analyze, interpret, or summarize primary legal sources, providing context and commentary.

Legal Commentary: Expert analysis or opinion on legal issues, often found in blogs and articles, that helps to interpret the law.