Legal Research & Writing Flashcards
7 cards from real CP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Legal Research & Writing flashcards as text
Which citation format is required by the California Style Manual for California state court documents?
Answer: California Style Manual format
California state courts require the California Style Manual format, while federal courts typically use the Bluebook.
When using Westlaw's KeyCite, a red flag on a case indicates:
Answer: The case has been overruled or reversed
A red flag in KeyCite means the case has been negatively treated — overruled, reversed, or heavily criticized.
A paralegal drafting a legal memorandum should place the IRAC analysis in which section?
Answer: Discussion
The Discussion section of a legal memo contains the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion) analysis of each legal issue.
Which of the following is an example of primary authority in California legal research?
Answer: A California Supreme Court opinion
A California Supreme Court opinion is primary authority because it is actual law created by a governmental body.
When Shepardizing a case in Lexis, what does a yellow triangle warning signal mean?
Answer: The case has been distinguished or has some negative treatment
A yellow triangle in Shepard's indicates the case has some negative treatment, such as being distinguished, but has not been overruled.
The official codification of California statutes is found in:
Answer: California Codes (e.g., Civil Code, Penal Code)
California's statutory law is organized into subject-matter codes such as the Civil Code, Penal Code, and Code of Civil Procedure.
In legal writing, 'active voice' is preferred over 'passive voice' primarily because it:
Answer: Clearly identifies who is performing the action
Active voice makes the actor of a sentence clear and direct, improving readability and persuasive impact in legal documents.