When determining if cases are designated "not for publication," what should Peter look for in Westlaw and Lexis?

When evaluating cases that are labeled as "not for publication," Peter should consider several factors available in legal research databases such as Westlaw and Lexis. The presence of "not for publication" often indicates that the court has determined the case may not provide legal precedent or guidance for future cases. Each factor listed plays a significant role in understanding the publication status of a case.

The length of the case can sometimes be indicative, as shorter rulings may not be seen as establishing significant legal principles and could be less likely to be published. However, the qualities of a case are also tied to the judicial reasoning presented and the import of its conclusions.

The trial court's ruling is relevant because certain types of decisions or rulings from lower courts may not carry the weight required for publication, especially if they relate to routine or established legal principles already clearly articulated in previous authoritative sources.

Lastly, the appellate court's opinion date can affect publication because older opinions may not be published if they stem from decisions that the court considers not to have continued relevance or are overshadowed by more recent rulings.

Considering all these factors provides a comprehensive understanding of why a case might be designated "not for publication," reinforcing the importance of analyzing multiple elements available in legal databases. Therefore