When researching statutes, what is a key step to take?

Focusing on citations is a crucial step when researching statutes. Citations provide a roadmap to the legal authority and context of the statute in question. They often reference the jurisdiction, the year of enactment, and any amendments that may have been made. By paying attention to citations, researchers can track the legislative history and interpret how the law has evolved over time. Citations also help in finding relevant case law and secondary resources that interpret the statutes, allowing a deeper understanding of their application and implications.

Other approaches, such as relying solely on secondary sources or ignoring state laws, can lead to a misunderstanding of the legal landscape. Statutes operate at various levels—federal, state, and local—and it's essential to have a comprehensive view that includes all relevant statutes to ensure informed legal research. Limiting research to only federal statutes could overlook important regulations that may be in effect at the state level, which can significantly impact legal outcomes.