What should legal researchers primarily focus on when conducting legal research?

Legal researchers should primarily focus on the relevance and authority of legal sources because these aspects are vital to ensuring that the research conducted can effectively support legal arguments and conclusions. Relevant legal sources directly pertain to the issue at hand, thereby providing applicable information that can influence the outcome of a case or legal opinion.

Authority is equally important in legal research, as it helps establish the weight and credibility of the sources used. Legal sources can range from statutes and case law to regulations and legal commentary, each with varying levels of authority based on the jurisdiction and context of the research. Emphasizing sources that are both relevant and authoritative enhances the researcher’s ability to construct persuasive and legally sound arguments.

In contrast, focusing on the opinions of laypeople regarding the law does not align with the objectives of legal research since these opinions lack the necessary legal grounding and authority. Similarly, while understanding the historical context of the laws can provide valuable insights, it is secondary to directly addressing current legal issues with relevant authority. Lastly, concentrating solely on the breadth of case law without assessing its relevance or authority may lead to using less pertinent precedents that do not effectively support legal arguments. Hence, prioritizing relevance and authority is crucial in conducting efficient and impactful legal research.