What does the term "legal research" refer to?

The term "legal research" refers specifically to the process of identifying and retrieving information that is crucial for supporting legal decision-making. It involves a systematic investigation of statutes, case law, legal precedents, secondary sources, and other legal materials to find relevant information that can assist attorneys or paralegals in arguing a case, advising clients, or understanding the legal context of a situation.

This process is essential as it enables legal professionals to gather the necessary information to form a legal strategy, build a case, or provide sound legal advice. It encompasses a variety of techniques, including utilizing legal databases, searching through case law, and consulting secondary sources such as legal journals or textbooks. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the legal arguments presented are backed by reliable and pertinent authority, thereby contributing to informed legal decisions.

Other options might refer to important aspects of a legal practice but do not encapsulate the full scope of what legal research entails. Filing legal documents with a court relates to procedural aspects of law, drafting legal briefs involves presenting arguments in writing, and conducting interviews with witnesses is part of the fact-gathering process in legal cases, none of which describe the comprehensive research process required to support legal arguments.