In a research plan, should you start by reading court decisions relating to your client's issue?

Starting a research plan by reading court decisions related to your client's issue can play a critical role in understanding the legal landscape that pertains to the case. Court decisions provide insights into how specific legal principles have been applied in similar contexts, highlighting precedents that could influence the current matter at hand. By reviewing these decisions early in the research process, you can identify relevant legal standards, potential arguments, and the applicability of certain laws, ultimately contributing to an informed and targeted legal strategy.

While the choice noted suggests that reading court decisions is irrelevant, this overlooks the foundational value these decisions can provide in terms of context and legal reasoning. Understanding how the courts have ruled previously can inform your case strategy and help anticipate how current issues may be viewed in light of established law. Therefore, engaging with case law is typically a key early action in legal research, especially when it directly pertains to the client's situation.