Should you stop researching statutes after finding one that prohibits the conduct in dispute?

Continuing research beyond the initial statute that prohibits the conduct in dispute is essential for a comprehensive legal analysis. Statutes may not exist in isolation; relevant case law, secondary sources, and additional statutes can further clarify or provide context for how the law is applied.

Finding one statute can be a starting point, but it might not cover all aspects of the law or nuances that are pivotal to the case. For instance, there could be exceptions, defenses, or specific procedural requirements that need to be understood, which may not be present within that single statute. Furthermore, statutory interpretation can be heavily influenced by judicial decisions that interpret and apply the statute, so reviewing relevant case law is crucial.

Additionally, different jurisdictions may have their own statutes or regulations that need to be considered if the conduct in question spans across different legal environments. Also, secondary resources such as legal commentaries or practice guides can provide insights and interpretations that are not readily apparent from the statute alone. Thus, thorough legal research is necessary to form a complete understanding and ensure effective legal arguments are constructed.