Here is an example of how an issue statement related to drunk driving can be crafted into a terms and connector search: Write out your search query with all the terms, alternatives, root expanders, and connectors in place If words are in same sentence or paragraph, there is a greater chance they’ll relate to one another and to your issue, and therefore that the document will be relevant.Ĥ. The connectors w/s and w/p are particularly useful in issue-based searching. W/# - within # words ( e.g., w/4 equals within 4 words) When used between two words, AND means that the results must contain both words. – AND - limits / restricts search results When used between two words, OR means that the results may contain either or both words. Use connectors to dictate the relationship between the search terms you enter. – Plurals : the singular will retrieve the regular plural. constit! = constitute, constitution, constitutional… Using the ! character (root expander) can help account for different word endings/variations. You can connect these within parenthesis in your search using the OR connector, discussed below. if the main key term is car, alternative terms could include automobile and vehicle). Helpful options include listing synonyms and related terms, which may be broader or narrower in scope than the main key term (ex. ![]() Which terms in the issue statement represent the most legally relevant facts and/or issues?Ī = Alternatives - Identify alternatives to the key termsīrainstorm words that legal writers might use in place of the key terms you identified. Turn the issue statement into a search query What type of materials do I want to search?ģ. What words (jargon, terms of art) are used in this area of law? What’s the area of law? Am I familiar with it, or do I need to get some background? We’ve mapped out steps below to help you become comfortable with making terms and connectors searching your default search strategy. ![]() ![]() It is a way to ensure your search results are comprehensive and precise. Terms and connectors searching, also called Boolean searching and advanced searching, will enable you to take charge of your search. Have you ever searched on Westlaw, Lexis, or Bloomberg and found that your “Google”-like keyword searching is bringing up an overwhelming list of 10,000+ resources, and worse, none of those resources seem useful? When this happens to you, we recommend terms and connectors searching.
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