how to format legal research paper

How to write a legal research paper: All you need to know

This article on “How to write a legal research paper: All you need to know” was written by Vridhi Rai, an intern at Legal Upanishad.

Introduction:

Law is all about analysis, critical thinking, and interpretation. Your capability to put together the analysis of the study of the issues in written form is essential in the practice of law. The research paper is one such way to express your creative and analytic thought process, your vision of the theme, and the originality of your content. The word ‘research’ means a systematic examination of material facts. It can be complex and daunting for law students. But research helps in enhancing your knowledge and cultivating your writing skills. This article will help you understand what is research paper all about and how to write a research paper.

What is a research paper?

A research paper is a piece of academic writing which is based on an author’s original composition in the research and the findings on a given theme or topic. The writing should be owned by the author himself or herself. A good research paper strives to convey the information traced by the author crisply and concisely. The paper is written to examine the theme or the provisions, present your stand on it, and showcase evidence in support in a systematic manner. The true nature of the paper shows you the purpose of the theme or topic. 

What is the aim of the legal research paper?

The aim of the legal research paper can be a subjective question since the writing will indicate what the intended outcome is. There are kinds of writings that would pave a way for courts because it geared toward a certain kind of doctrinal analysis of the court’s interaction with theory and practice. The writings are done for better interpretation of the law. It could also be used to influence policy-making and generate debates. The author has a specific objective and intended audience in mind to serve.

How to write a legal research paper?

Step-1 choose a theme or topic:.

The foremost step in writing a  legal research paper is to select a theme or topic for the research. Select topics that catch your attention or interest. You can pick topics addressing contemporary issues or topics for the intended audience you wish to cater to. It should be novel, innovative, and interesting. While choosing a topic, read pertinent issues from different sources.  You can follow legal news to search for pertinent topics.

In case, you find difficulty selecting a topic, it will be wonderful for you to approach your professors, colleagues, and friends for consultation. Also, never feel hesitant to change the theme or topic of the research, if you feel it is not the right topic or you will not able to research the topic effectively.

Step-2 Research on your topic:

Now, your next task is to research the topic extensively on your selected topic from credible sources. You can refer to different sources by reading legal research pieces from books to online sites like SCC online, Manupatra, and Kluwer Arbitration. Always remember don’t just goggle. Use conventional sources like books and articles, these will give you a broader perspective. Read as much as you can. Reading helps you understand the nitty-gritty of the law provisions. Please beware of the research as this task can be very monotonous. You might lose motivation to perform this task. But hang in there and stay motivated to find interesting facts.

Step-3 Examine and Make a plan:

After researching, your very next step is to examine and make a plan to execute writing a legal research paper. Your research will be comprehensive with ideas. Please develop a detailed outline. Try adding notes to your research work. It can be possible that you might end up adding too much information to your paper. Highlight the key findings from your study. At this stage you are required to identify the goal of your research work, it can be either argumentative or analytic. You have to determine the masses you are wishing to address. The focus and the tone of the paper should b according to the audience you are intending to reach.

To get your Legal Research Paper written by an expert. Contact us.

Step-4 writing the paper:.

The next step is to draft the research paper. Make a final outline of the research work. The outline must have the points to describe the overview of the paper. The basic mantra of legal research is the structure of the paper. The research paper writing should be creative, clear, concise, and comprehensive. The language of your research paper should be easy to interpret. The legal terminologies and material facts are generally very sophisticated and complex. The facts, you are mentioning must be backed by shreds of evidence.

The format of the legal research paper:

The paper should have a proper format that consists of writing styles, referencing styles, page numbering, spacing, and margins. It should also include the headlines, sub-headlines, citations, or credits to the authors and the scholars.

The content of the legal research paper:

The content consists of the following:

Acknowledgment : the content of the paper should include an acknowledgment section that appreciates all the contributors to the research paper for their efforts and encouragement.

Table of contents: it includes the list of the things that you have written in your research paper.

Scope of the research: the scope or object of the research includes the reason for your study. It shows you the skeleton of your research paper. You have stated the problem or issue of the paper.

A literature survey or the sources used in the study: it includes the sources you have referred to in your study. It can be primary or secondary resources. The primary resources include books, statutes, and case laws. The secondary sources include the material you have collected from law articles, journals, and compendiums online or offline.

The hypothesis of the research: the hypothesis is the idea that is suggested to explain the objective of the research conducted by the researcher. It conveys the expectations of the researcher on what basis he started studying the issues, he raised in his paper.

Abstract : abstract shows the gist of the theme you have mentioned in your study. It is like the summary of the findings in your research regarding the theme. It should be written clearly and concisely.

Introduction: the introduction should be well-written to attract the attention of the audience toward the theme you mentioned in your thesis. A glance over the initial paragraphs gives an insight to the readers of your work. The introduction determines whether the research paper is worth reading or not. It should express the research problem, the purpose of your thesis, and background details about the issue you are referring to. It should be short, crisp, and comprehensive.

The main body of the study: the main focus of the paper is the main body of the thesis. The body should be divided into paragraphs along with sub-headings for a better understanding of the facts. Each paragraph should draw the main points of your study. It should begin with the topic’s sentences and should conclude extensively. In the main body, you can add the case laws and judgments.  

The conclusion of the study: the finale of the study should include a summary of the main pointers discussed in the study, it should express your stand or viewpoint towards the research problem. The concluding para of your research can be affirmative or negative in tone. In the end, you can add some suggestive measures to your study.

References or bibliography: at the end of the paper mention the references or the sources links or sites from which you have researched the material facts.

Step – 5 edit and proofread the final draft of the research paper:

Use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Proofreading will help you to find errors in your content. If you need, to make changes to the paper, check and find the logic and legality of the statement. At this stage, you check the plagiarism of your content.

The things that should be considered carefully before drafting the paper:

you need to check the validity of the judgments before mentioning them in the research paper. The validity of the bills mentioned in your study should be carefully considered. The errors related to applicability or jurisdictions should be carefully verified.

Conclusion:

Legal research is not an easy task to perform. It takes a lot of time to conduct it. Constant hard work, attention, motivation, and patience are the factors required to examine and analyze the details. It can be boring. But it will help you in brushing your skills. Your efforts and dedication toward finding more and more material facts will help in shaping you into a good researcher.

It is beneficial for law students for interpreting law provisions, policies, and judgments. It can be used as a medium to influence policy-making procedures and as a tool to aware the masses. Publication of your research papers will act as a stimulating force to your law career. It will help you build your confidence and help them transform into law professionals.

References:

• How to write a legal research paper: guide: how to write a winning research paper?- Legal Desire. Retrieved: https://legaldesire.com/guide-how-to-write-a-winning-research-paper/
• A helpful guide on writing a law research paper- Writing help. Retrieved: https://howtowrite.customwritings.com/post/law-research-paper-guide/
• How to begin with writing a legal research paper- Manupatra- youtube channel-(video file)
• How to write a legal research paper law?|research paper- Eminent law classes-(Video file)
• The aim of writing a legal research paper- the art of writing a legal research paper-Rohini Sen-letter of the law-(video file)

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Directed Research Projects

• Getting Started
• Preparing to Research
• The Research Process

Structuring Your Paper

Writing tips, writing resources.

• Checking your Sources
• Getting it Published

There is no strict structure to writing a legal research paper.  Unlike legal memos written for class or documents prepared for court proceedings that require formatted headings such as "Question Presented," "Statement of Facts," etc., legal research papers are not required to contain prescribed content or abide by a particular structure.

That said, below is a typical approach to organizing the content of your research project.

• Introduction (clear statement of your thesis)
• Background information (what is the existing law, if any)
• The problem (explain why the status quo does't work)
• Recommendation for change (what can be done to improve the field and how)
• Conclusion (tie back to your thesis)

If you have any questions about formatting your research project, you should seek advice from your faculty advisor.  Below are some basic guidelines, but keep in mind formatting requirements set forth by your faculty advisor will always supersede instructions provided here.

Generally, directed research papers are formatted as follows:

• 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar)
• Double-spaced lines
• One-inch margins on both sides, top, and bottom
• 10-point font for footnotes (same font as text)
• Bluebook style and rules for all footnotes citations
• Roman numerals and/or letter headings and subheadings (same font as text but bolded and/or underlined)
• Numbered pages in the footer (same font as text)

Table of Contents

Although not required (unless your faculty advisor states otherwise), a table of contents can be helpful to provide your reader with an overview of your research paper and direct them to certain sections.  Your table of contents should mirror your headings and subheadings.  Below is an example of a table of contents.

When to Cite

You must include a citation every time you refer to, paraphrase, or quote a law, case, or another's work.  Most of your sentences will include a citation.  Additionally, when you cite to a law, always cite to the primary source.

How to Cite

The Bluebook, formally titled  The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation , is the style manual for citing to legal documents within the United States.  You should use the Bluebook for all your citations in your legal paper.  The white page section contain the citation rules for legal academic publications.

Writing a Strong Introduction

Your introduction is arguably the most important section of your paper because many people will decide to continue reading based on the introduction.  It must grab the reader's attention and explain why what you are writing about is important.

Essentially, the reader should be able to skim the rest of your paper after reading your introduction and have a good understanding of its layout and arguments.  A good introduction should present the theme of the paper in a succinct manner while providing an overview of your paper.

Generally, a strong introduction will

• State the legal problem/issue;
• Describe why it is important and how your paper contributes to the discussion;
• Provide a road map of your paper; and
• State your conclusion.

Being Objective & Subjective

After your introduction, you should discuss background information on the issue you chose to write about.  This should be an objective overview of the relevant facts and existing law.  Your objective background information section should not be an all encompassing.  Keep this portion of your paper focused on the essential law and relevant facts that support your recommendation for change. 

The bulk of your paper lays in your discussion of the problem and recommendation for change.  This is the subjective portion of your paper.  In this section you should extract the relevant objective material to support your subjective analysis.

Writing a Strong Conclusion

Your conclusion should restate your thesis, summarize your major points, and remind the reader why the issue you've chosen is important.  The conclusion should essentially reword your introduction in a condensed fashion. 

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Legal Research Strategy

Preliminary analysis, organization, secondary sources, primary sources, updating research, identifying an end point, getting help, about this guide.

This guide will walk a beginning researcher though the legal research process step-by-step. These materials are created with the 1L Legal Research & Writing course in mind. However, these resources will also assist upper-level students engaged in any legal research project.

How to Strategize

Legal research must be comprehensive and precise.  One contrary source that you miss may invalidate other sources you plan to rely on.  Sticking to a strategy will save you time, ensure completeness, and improve your work product. 

Follow These Steps

Running Time: 3 minutes, 13 seconds.

Make sure that you don't miss any steps by using our:

• Legal Research Strategy Checklist

If you get stuck at any time during the process, check this out:

• Ten Tips for Moving Beyond the Brick Wall in the Legal Research Process, by Marsha L. Baum

Understanding the Legal Questions

A legal question often originates as a problem or story about a series of events. In law school, these stories are called fact patterns. In practice, facts may arise from a manager or an interview with a potential client. Start by doing the following:

• Read anything you have been given
• Analyze the facts and frame the legal issues
• Assess what you know and need to learn
• Note the jurisdiction and any primary law you have been given
• Generate potential search terms

Jurisdiction

Legal rules will vary depending on where geographically your legal question will be answered. You must determine the jurisdiction in which your claim will be heard. These resources can help you learn more about jurisdiction and how it is determined:

• Legal Treatises on Jurisdiction
• LII Wex Entry on Jurisdiction

This map indicates which states are in each federal appellate circuit:

Getting Started

Once you have begun your research, you will need to keep track of your work. Logging your research will help you to avoid missing sources and explain your research strategy. You will likely be asked to explain your research process when in practice. Researchers can keep paper logs, folders on Westlaw or Lexis, or online citation management platforms.

Organizational Methods

Tracking with paper or excel.

Many researchers create their own tracking charts.  Be sure to include:

• Search Date
• Topics/Keywords/Search Strategy
• Citation to Relevant Source Found
• Save Locations
• Follow Up Needed

Consider using the following research log as a starting place: 

• Sample Research Log

Tracking with Folders

Westlaw and Lexis offer options to create folders, then save and organize your materials there.

• Lexis Advance Folders
• Westlaw Edge Folders

Tracking with Citation Management Software

For long term projects, platforms such as Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley, or Refworks might be useful. These are good tools to keep your research well organized. Note, however, that none of these platforms substitute for doing your own proper Bluebook citations. Learn more about citation management software on our other research guides:

• Guide to Zotero for Harvard Law Students by Harvard Law School Library Research Services Last Updated Aug 9, 2024 452 views this year
• Zotero by Daniel Becker Last Updated Sep 23, 2024 31444 views this year

Types of Sources

There are three different types of sources: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary.  When doing legal research you will be using mostly primary and secondary sources.  We will explore these different types of sources in the sections below.

Secondary sources often explain legal principles more thoroughly than a single case or statute. Starting with them can help you save time.

Secondary sources are particularly useful for:

• Learning the basics of a particular area of law
• Understanding key terms of art in an area
• Identifying essential cases and statutes

Consider the following when deciding which type of secondary source is right for you:

• Scope/Breadth
• Depth of Treatment
• Currentness/Reliability

For a deep dive into secondary sources visit:

• Secondary Sources: ALRs, Encyclopedias, Law Reviews, Restatements, & Treatises by Catherine Biondo Last Updated Apr 12, 2024 7675 views this year

Legal Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Legal dictionaries.

Legal dictionaries are similar to other dictionaries that you have likely used before.

• Black's Law Dictionary
• Ballentine's Law Dictionary

Legal Encyclopedias

Legal encyclopedias contain brief, broad summaries of legal topics, providing introductions and explaining terms of art. They also provide citations to primary law and relevant major law review articles.  

Here are the two major national encyclopedias:

• American Jurisprudence (AmJur) (Westlaw)
• American Jurisprudence (Lexis)
• Corpus Juris Secundum (CJS)

Treatises are books on legal topics.  These books are a good place to begin your research.  They provide explanation, analysis, and citations to the most relevant primary sources. Treatises range from single subject overviews to deep treatments of broad subject areas.

It is important to check the date when the treatise was published. Many are either not updated, or are updated through the release of newer editions.

To find a relevant treatise explore:

• Legal Treatises by Subject by Catherine Biondo Last Updated Apr 12, 2024 6803 views this year

American Law Reports (ALR)

American Law Reports (ALR) contains in-depth articles on narrow topics of the law. ALR articles, are often called annotations. They provide background, analysis, and citations to relevant cases, statutes, articles, and other annotations. ALR annotations are invaluable tools to quickly find primary law on narrow legal questions.

This resource is available in both Westlaw and Lexis:

• American Law Reports on Westlaw (includes index)
• American Law Reports on Lexis

Law Reviews & Journals

Law reviews are scholarly publications, usually edited by law students in conjunction with faculty members. They contain both lengthy articles and shorter essays by professors and lawyers. They also contain comments, notes, or developments in the law written by law students. Articles often focus on new or emerging areas of law and may offer critical commentary. Some law reviews are dedicated to a particular topic while others are general. Occasionally, law reviews will include issues devoted to proceedings of panels and symposia.

Law review and journal articles are extremely narrow and deep with extensive references. 

To find law review articles visit:

• Law Journal Library on HeinOnline
• Law Reviews & Journals on LexisNexis
• Law Reviews & Journals on Westlaw

Restatements

Restatements are highly regarded distillations of common law, prepared by the American Law Institute (ALI). ALI is a prestigious organization comprised of judges, professors, and lawyers. They distill the "black letter law" from cases to indicate trends in common law. Resulting in a “restatement” of existing common law into a series of principles or rules. Occasionally, they make recommendations on what a rule of law should be.

Restatements are not primary law. However, they are considered persuasive authority by many courts.

Restatements are organized into chapters, titles, and sections.  Sections contain the following:

• a concisely stated rule of law,
• comments to clarify the rule,
• hypothetical examples,
• explanation of purpose, and
• exceptions to the rule  

To access restatements visit:

• American Law Institute Library on HeinOnline
• Restatements & Principles of the Law on LexisNexis
• Restatements & Principles of Law on Westlaw

Primary Authority

Primary authority is "authority that issues directly from a law-making body."   Authority , Black's Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019).   Sources of primary authority include:

• Constitutions
• Statutes 

Regulations

Access to primary legal sources is available through:

• Bloomberg Law
• Free & Low Cost Alternatives

Statutes (also called legislation) are "laws enacted by legislative bodies", such as Congress and state legislatures.  Statute , Black's Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019).

We typically start primary law research here. If there is a controlling statute, cases you look for later will interpret that law. There are two types of statutes, annotated and unannotated.

Annotated codes are a great place to start your research. They combine statutory language with citations to cases, regulations, secondary sources, and other relevant statutes. This can quickly connect you to the most relevant cases related to a particular law. Unannotated Codes provide only the text of the statute without editorial additions. Unannotated codes, however, are more often considered official and used for citation purposes.

For a deep dive on federal and state statutes, visit:

• Statutes: US and State Codes by Mindy Kent Last Updated Apr 12, 2024 5540 views this year
• 50 State Surveys

Want to learn more about the history or legislative intent of a law?  Learn how to get started here:

• Legislative History Get an introduction to legislative histories in less than 5 minutes.
• Federal Legislative History Research Guide

Regulations are rules made by executive departments and agencies. Not every legal question will require you to search regulations. However, many areas of law are affected by regulations. So make sure not to skip this step if they are relevant to your question.

To learn more about working with regulations, visit:

• Administrative Law Research by AJ Blechner Last Updated Apr 12, 2024 924 views this year

Case Basics

In many areas, finding relevant caselaw will comprise a significant part of your research. This Is particularly true in legal areas that rely heavily on common law principles.

Running Time: 3 minutes, 10 seconds.

Unpublished Cases

Up to  86% of federal case opinions are unpublished. You must determine whether your jurisdiction will consider these unpublished cases as persuasive authority. The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure have an overarching rule, Rule 32.1  Each circuit also has local rules regarding citations to unpublished opinions. You must understand both the Federal Rule and the rule in your jurisdiction.

• Federal and Local Rules of Appellate Procedure 32.1 (Dec. 2021).
• Type of Opinion or Order Filed in Cases Terminated on the Merits, by Circuit (Sept. 2021).

Each state also has its own local rules which can often be accessed through:

• State Bar Associations
• State Courts Websites

First Circuit

• First Circuit Court Rule 32.1.0

Second Circuit

• Second Circuit Court Rule 32.1.1

Third Circuit

• Third Circuit Court Rule 5.7

Fourth Circuit

• Fourth Circuit Court Rule 32.1

Fifth Circuit

• Fifth Circuit Court Rule 47.5

Sixth Circuit

• Sixth Circuit Court Rule 32.1

Seventh Circuit

• Seventh Circuit Court Rule 32.1

Eighth Circuit

• Eighth Circuit Court Rule 32.1A

Ninth Circuit

• Ninth Circuit Court Rule 36-3

Tenth Circuit

• Tenth Circuit Court Rule 32.1

Eleventh Circuit

• Eleventh Circuit Court Rule 32.1

D.C. Circuit

• D.C. Circuit Court Rule 32.1

Federal Circuit

• Federal Circuit Court Rule 32.1

Finding Cases

Headnotes show the key legal points in a case. Legal databases use these headnotes to guide researchers to other cases on the same topic. They also use them to organize concepts explored in cases by subject. Publishers, like Westlaw and Lexis, create headnotes, so they are not consistent across databases.

Headnotes are organized by subject into an outline that allows you to search by subject. This outline is known as a "digest of cases." By browsing or searching the digest you can retrieve all headnotes covering a particular topic. This can help you identify particularly important cases on the relevant subject.

Running Time: 4 minutes, 43 seconds.

Each major legal database has its own digest:

• Topic Navigator (Lexis)
• Key Digest System (Westlaw)

Start by identifying a relevant topic in a digest.  Then you can limit those results to your jurisdiction for more relevant results.  Sometimes, you can keyword search within only the results on your topic in your jurisdiction.  This is a particularly powerful research method.

One Good Case Method

After following the steps above, you will have identified some relevant cases on your topic. You can use good cases you find to locate other cases addressing the same topic. These other cases often apply similar rules to a range of diverse fact patterns.

• in Lexis click "More Like This Headnote"
• in Westlaw click "Cases that Cite This Headnote"

to focus on the terms of art or key words in a particular headnote. You can use this feature to find more cases with similar language and concepts.  ​

Ways to Use Citators

A citator is "a catalogued list of cases, statutes, and other legal sources showing the subsequent history and current precedential value of those sources.  Citators allow researchers to verify the authority of a precedent and to find additional sources relating to a given subject." Citator , Black's Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019).

Each major legal database has its own citator.  The two most popular are Keycite on Westlaw and Shepard's on Lexis.

• Keycite Information Page
• Shepard's Information Page

Making Sure Your Case is Still Good Law

This video answers common questions about citators:

For step-by-step instructions on how to use Keycite and Shepard's see the following:

Additional Shepard's Resources

• Shepard's Video Tutorial
• Shepard's Handout
• Shepard's Editorial Phrase Dictionary
• Shepard's Signal Indicators & Analysis Phrases
• Shepard's Citation Services User Guide
• Lexis+ Support and Training Additional online videos and handouts for Lexis+.

Additional KeyCite Resources

• How to Ensure I'm Citing Good Law (Westlaw Video)
• KeyCite Handout
• KeyCite Editorial Phrase Dictionary
• Understanding Next Generation KeyCite
• How to Check the Status of a Case with KeyCite
• Westlaw Precision Support Additional videos and handouts to support your Westlaw research.

Using Citators For

Citators serve three purposes: (1) case validation, (2) better understanding, and (3) additional research.

Case Validation

Is my case or statute good law?

• Parallel citations
• Prior and subsequent history
• Negative treatment suggesting you should no longer cite to holding.

Better Understanding

Has the law in this area changed?

• Later cases on the same point of law
• Positive treatment, explaining or expanding the law.
• Negative Treatment, narrowing or distinguishing the law.

Track Research

Who is citing and writing about my case or statute?

• Secondary sources that discuss your case or statute.
• Cases in other jurisdictions that discuss your case or statute.

Knowing When to Start Writing

For more guidance on when to stop your research see:

• Terminating Research, by Christina L. Kunz

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Researching Law School Papers

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Articles (UC Davis law students may access from offsite using Kerberos password)

• Stalking the Golden Topic: A Guide to Locating and Selecting Topics for Legal Research Papers by Heather Meeker
• Writing a Student Article by Eugene Volokh
• How to Write a Law Review Article by Richard Delgado
• How to Write a Law Review Article by Sean Burke

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How to do legal research in 3 steps

Knowing where to start a difficult legal research project can be a challenge. But if you already understand the basics of legal research, the process can be significantly easier — not to mention quicker.

Solid research skills are crucial to crafting a winning argument. So, whether you are a law school student or a seasoned attorney with years of experience, knowing how to perform legal research is important — including where to start and the steps to follow.

What is legal research, and where do I start? 

Black's Law Dictionary defines legal research as “[t]he finding and assembling of authorities that bear on a question of law." But what does that actually mean? It means that legal research is the process you use to identify and find the laws — including statutes, regulations, and court opinions — that apply to the facts of your case.

In most instances, the purpose of legal research is to find support for a specific legal issue or decision. For example, attorneys must conduct legal research if they need court opinions — that is, case law — to back up a legal argument they are making in a motion or brief filed with the court.

Alternatively, lawyers may need legal research to provide clients with accurate legal guidance . In the case of law students, they often use legal research to complete memos and briefs for class. But these are just a few situations in which legal research is necessary.

Why is legal research hard?

Each step — from defining research questions to synthesizing findings — demands critical thinking and rigorous analysis.

1. Identifying the legal issue is not so straightforward. Legal research involves interpreting many legal precedents and theories to justify your questions. Finding the right issue takes time and patience.

2. There's too much to research. Attorneys now face a great deal of case law and statutory material. The sheer volume forces the researcher to be efficient by following a methodology based on a solid foundation of legal knowledge and principles.

3. The law is a fluid doctrine. It changes with time, and staying updated with the latest legal codes, precedents, and statutes means the most resourceful lawyer needs to assess the relevance and importance of new decisions.

Legal research can pose quite a challenge, but professionals can improve it at every stage of the process . 

Step 1: Key questions to ask yourself when starting legal research

Before you begin looking for laws and court opinions, you first need to define the scope of your legal research project. There are several key questions you can use to help do this.

What are the facts?

Always gather the essential facts so you know the “who, what, why, when, where, and how” of your case. Take the time to write everything down, especially since you will likely need to include a statement of facts in an eventual filing or brief anyway. Even if you don't think a fact may be relevant now, write it down because it may be relevant later. These facts will also be helpful when identifying your legal issue.

What is the actual legal issue?

You will never know what to research if you don't know what your legal issue is. Does your client need help collecting money from an insurance company following a car accident involving a negligent driver? How about a criminal case involving excluding evidence found during an alleged illegal stop?

No matter the legal research project, you must identify the relevant legal problem and the outcome or relief sought. This information will guide your research so you can stay focused and on topic.

What is the relevant jurisdiction?

Don't cast your net too wide regarding legal research; you should focus on the relevant jurisdiction. For example, does your case deal with federal or state law? If it is state law, which state? You may find a case in California state court that is precisely on point, but it won't be beneficial if your legal project involves New York law.

Where to start legal research: The library, online, or even AI?

In years past, future attorneys were trained in law school to perform research in the library. But now, you can find almost everything from the library — and more — online. While you can certainly still use the library if you want, you will probably be costing yourself valuable time if you do.

When it comes to online research, some people start with free legal research options , including search engines like Google or Bing. But to ensure your legal research is comprehensive, you will want to use an online research service designed specifically for the law, such as Westlaw . Not only do online solutions like Westlaw have all the legal sources you need, but they also include artificial intelligence research features that help make quick work of your research

Step 2: How to find relevant case law and other primary sources of law

Now that you have gathered the facts and know your legal issue, the next step is knowing what to look for. After all, you will need the law to support your legal argument, whether providing guidance to a client or writing an internal memo, brief, or some other legal document.

But what type of law do you need? The answer: primary sources of law. Some of the more important types of primary law include:

• Case law, which are court opinions or decisions issued by federal or state courts
• Statutes, including legislation passed by both the U.S. Congress and state lawmakers
• Regulations, including those issued by either federal or state agencies
• Constitutions, both federal and state

Searching for primary sources of law

So, if it's primary law you want, it makes sense to begin searching there first, right? Not so fast. While you will need primary sources of law to support your case, in many instances, it is much easier — and a more efficient use of your time — to begin your search with secondary sources such as practice guides, treatises, and legal articles.

Why? Because secondary sources provide a thorough overview of legal topics, meaning you don't have to start your research from scratch. After secondary sources, you can move on to primary sources of law.

For example, while no two legal research projects are the same, the order in which you will want to search different types of sources may look something like this:

• Secondary sources . If you are researching a new legal principle or an unfamiliar area of the law, the best place to start is secondary sources, including law journals, practice guides , legal encyclopedias, and treatises. They are a good jumping-off point for legal research since they've already done the work for you. As an added bonus, they can save you additional time since they often identify and cite important statutes and seminal cases.
• Case law . If you have already found some case law in secondary sources, great, you have something to work with. But if not, don't fret. You can still search for relevant case law in a variety of ways, including running a search in a case law research tool.

Once you find a helpful case, you can use it to find others. For example, in Westlaw, most cases contain headnotes that summarize each of the case's important legal issues. These headnotes are also assigned a Key Number based on the topic associated with that legal issue. So, once you find a good case, you can use the headnotes and Key Numbers within it to quickly find more relevant case law.

• Statutes and regulations . In many instances, secondary sources and case law list the statutes and regulations relevant to your legal issue. But if you haven't found anything yet, you can still search for statutes and regs online like you do with cases.

Once you know which statute or reg is pertinent to your case, pull up the annotated version on Westlaw. Why the annotated version? Because the annotations will include vital information, such as a list of important cases that cite your statute or reg. Sometimes, these cases are even organized by topic — just one more way to find the case law you need to support your legal argument.

Keep in mind, though, that legal research isn't always a linear process. You may start out going from source to source as outlined above and then find yourself needing to go back to secondary sources once you have a better grasp of the legal issue. In other instances, you may even find the answer you are looking for in a source not listed above, like a sample brief filed with the court by another attorney. Ultimately, you need to go where the information takes you.

Step 3: Make sure you are using ‘good’ law

One of the most important steps with every legal research project is to verify that you are using “good" law — meaning a court hasn't invalidated it or struck it down in some way. After all, it probably won't look good to a judge if you cite a case that has been overruled or use a statute deemed unconstitutional. It doesn't necessarily mean you can never cite these sources; you just need to take a closer look before you do.

The simplest way to find out if something is still good law is to use a legal tool known as a citator, which will show you subsequent cases that have cited your source as well as any negative history, including if it has been overruled, reversed, questioned, or merely differentiated.

For instance, if a case, statute, or regulation has any negative history — and therefore may no longer be good law — KeyCite, the citator on Westlaw, will warn you. Specifically, KeyCite will show a flag or icon at the top of the document, along with a little blurb about the negative history. This alert system allows you to quickly know if there may be anything you need to worry about.

Some examples of these flags and icons include:

• A red flag on a case warns you it is no longer good for at least one point of law, meaning it may have been overruled or reversed on appeal.
• A yellow flag on a case warns that it has some negative history but is not expressly overruled or reversed, meaning another court may have criticized it or pointed out the holding was limited to a specific fact pattern.
• A blue-striped flag on a case warns you that it has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court or the U.S. Court of Appeals.
• The KeyCite Overruling Risk icon on a case warns you that the case may be implicitly undermined because it relies on another case that has been overruled.

Another bonus of using a citator like KeyCite is that it also provides a list of other cases that merely cite your source — it can lead to additional sources you previously didn't know about.

Perseverance is vital when it comes to legal research

Given that legal research is a complex process, it will likely come as no surprise that this guide cannot provide everything you need to know.

There is a reason why there are entire law school courses and countless books focused solely on legal research methodology. In fact, many attorneys will spend their entire careers honing their research skills — and even then, they may not have perfected the process.

So, if you are just beginning, don't get discouraged if you find legal research difficult — almost everyone does at first. With enough time, patience, and dedication, you can master the art of legal research.

Thomson Reuters originally published this article on November 10, 2020.

Related insights

Westlaw tip of the week: Checking cases with KeyCite

Why legislative history matters when crafting a winning argument

Case law research tools: The most useful free and paid offerings

Request a trial and experience the fastest way to find what you need

Legal Writing

Guidance on scholarly writing.

• Choosing a Scholarly Paper Topic
• Conducting a Preemption Check
• Evaluating Information
• Keeping Current
• Publishing Your Scholarly Writing
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Legal Citation & the Bluebook
• Persuasive Legal Writing
• Transactional Legal Writing
• Litigation Focused Writing
• Legislative Drafting
• Judicial Writing
• ADR Drafting

This research guide is focused on academic legal writing topics to support the students of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in their academic and professional writing endeavors. It provides guidance on how to choose a scholarly paper topic, conduct a preemption check, stay current on a topic of choice, and avoid plagiarism.

In addition, the guide provides information on both print and online, as well as free and subscription, resources for scholarly legal writing, persuasive legal writing, writing for law practice (litigation and transactional), legislative drafting, and judicial writing. An emphasis is placed on materials available within the print and electronic collections of the Ross-Blakley Law Library.

The Legal Scholar's Guidebook   (Elizabeth E. Berenguer, 2020) This guide from an educator specializing in upper level legal writing discusses all stages of crafting a valuable legal article, from choosing a narrow, manageable topic to evaluating sources' credibility. It helps writers process the information already written about a topic, choose a particularly effective paradigm to present legal arguments (such as historical analysis or comparative law), and approach writing with discipline to produce a timely, quality product. Appendices present sample processes including topic selection and outlining, as well as an annotated article highlighting important considerations in the writing process.

Modern Legal Scholarship   (Christine Coughlin et al., 2020) This book breaks down the full process of scholarly writing, from drafting to publication, into understandable and manageable tasks.

Scholarly Writing: Ideas, Examples, and Execution   (Jessica Lynn Wherry & Kristen E. Murray,   2019) This book provides a blueprint for planning, writing, and polishing academic legal writing. It instructs readers on generating ideas, developing breadth and depth of knowledge in research, soliciting and incorporating feedback from reviewers, and shopping papers for publication.

Scholarly Writing For Law Students  (Elizabeth Fajans, 2017) This title teaches law students how to write scholarly papers for seminars, law reviews, and law-review competitions and how to have their work recognized. It helps novices and more experienced scholars alike to write papers with a minimum of anxiety and a maximum of creativity. Employing a process theory of writing, the text first describes the enterprise of scholarly writing and then discusses techniques for brainstorming topics and theses, researching, drafting, and revising for substance and style. 

A cademic Legal Writing   (Eugene Volokh, 2016) Designed to help law students write and publish articles, this text provides detailed instructions for every aspect of the law school writing, research, and publication process. Topics covered include law review articles and student notes, seminar term papers, how to shift from research to writing, cite-checking others' work, publishing, and publicizing written works.

Richard Delgado,  How to Write a Law Review Article , 20 Univ. San Francisco Law Review 445 (1986) Discussing the purpose of academic arguments and their varieties, as well as strategies for selecting topics, researching, selecting authorities, and writing.

Shari Motro,  The Three-Act Argument: How to Write a Law Article That Reads Like a Good Story , 64 J. Legal Educ. (2015) This article explains how the recipe for a dramatic plot—exposition, confrontation, and resolution—can liven up legal writing.

• Next: Choosing a Scholarly Paper Topic >>
• Last Updated: Jul 19, 2024 8:53 AM
• URL: https://libguides.law.asu.edu/legalwriting

5 Key Steps to Writing an Effective Law Research Paper

Written by admin

Updated on: April 7, 2024

Table of Contents

5 Key Steps to Writing an Effective Law Research Paper: Our Legal World

Writing a law research paper is much different and complex than crafting a research paper for other fields. That’s because it involves methodological research, which further requires familiarizing yourself with the current legal precedents, principles, and regulations. So, due to such complexities, students often get overwhelmed when asked to write a law research paper. And if you happen to know any such students, this blog post is for them.

Here, we’ll simplify the art of writing a persuasive research paper for law students with the help of 5 key steps. So, without prolonging this intro, let’s get to those steps.

1.    Select a Relevant and Narrow Topic

Whether you want to write a research paper for law or any other field, the first step you need to perform is to select a relevant topic. This step is paramount to writing an effective research paper because it will help you form the foundation for a compelling and well-researched paper. Therefore, the earlier you complete it, the better it will be for the overall quality of your law research paper.

But choosing a topic for a law research paper is different from selecting a topic for any other writing form. That’s because broader topics are challenging to cover. Therefore, your chosen topic should be specific and relevant to your interest. For instance, you can narrow your research for a topic to a particular point that aligns with your interest or has significance in law.

Sometimes, colleges or universities assign the research paper’s topic to students. So, if this situation represents your use case, all you need to do is pick a topic according to your interest from the assigned ones.

2.    Perform a Thorough but Methodological Research

Like other writing forms and research papers, thorough research is essential to write an effective law research paper. In fact, it’s the backbone of a research paper. Therefore, you should perform it, which is the second step in this guide.

But unlike other writing forms, the research for writing a law paper must be methodological. So, how can you conduct such research?

Well, existing literature can be a great starting point for the research phase of a law research paper. But other than that, you can use a plethora of sources, such as

• Legal databases.
• Scholarly articles.

Thus, looking for relevant data should be your priority while exploring the above-mentioned resources. But other than that, you should also familiarize yourself with the current legal precedents, principles, and regulations. Doing so will help you collect compelling evidence, arguments, and counterarguments, ultimately supporting your research paper and providing an overall comprehensive analysis.

3.    Create a Well-Thought-Out Outline

Suppose you have collected a lot of information and read all the existing written material regarding your research topic. In that case, you might crown your research paper with a lot of information and get carried away. Therefore, to cope with such a situation, we recommend creating a detailed outline, which is the third step of this guide.

Creating an outline and dividing your research paper into logical sections and subsections will help you formulate a coherent and organized structure. So, do that because this way, you can convey your ideas effectively. But remember that each section and subsection you create should relate to your research question and support your thesis.

Thus, once you’ve maintained a clear flow of ideas through the logical sections and subsections, it will ultimately improve your paper’s readability, which means readers can follow your point quickly.

4. Write in a Clear and Precise Legal Language

Documents related to law are famous for their complex and intricate language. But since a law research paper doesn’t intend to educate people having a legal background only, understanding convoluted language can be challenging for readers. And this situation is especially valid when you have to discuss arguments or concepts that are intricate and nuanced. To cater to this, we recommend writing the law research paper in clear and precise language.

Whether you are developing a solid thesis statement or writing your research paper’s introduction, body, and conclusion sections, it is essential to communicate the ideas clearly. And to do that, first of all, you must avoid using complex sentences and wording. Doing so will make your law research paper accessible to the experts and novices in the field.

But if writing content in a simple and easy-to-read manner is challenging for you, you can reword your complex content with any AI-based rephrase tool . Such tools use advanced NLP and AI technologies to paraphrase sentences and simplify their complexities in no time. This will ultimately save you time in simplifying the research paper manually and improves the overall quality of the paper as well.

5.    Don’t Forget to Revise, Edit and Polish Your Work

You’ve got the research and outline, which means, by now, you will have crafted a first draft of your research paper. And if you have, then it’s time to polish that draft by revising and editing it. But how can you do that?

Well, you can perform the following checks:

• Carefully proofread your paper and look for formatting mistakes.
• Besides formatting, don’t forget to check for grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. But if you need any assistance, we recommend using an AI writing assistant.
• Your research paper will have a plethora of arguments. So, make sure that every one of them flows logically and cohesively throughout your research paper. And also, analyze whether you’ve supported every idea with relevant details.
• The first draft often contains repetitions of ideas. Therefore, you must trim them to polish your work.
• Perform a check for plagiarism on the content of your research paper.
• Remember to cite every source you’ve assisted in formulating your research paper’s data.
• Remember to use the same citation style throughout the research paper.

Thus, by implementing these tips, you can easily polish your research paper and prepare it for the final submission.

Writing a law research paper requires dedication, meticulous research, and thoughtful organization. However, with the proper guideline, you can enhance your chances of producing a compelling and impactful paper.

So, remember to choose a relevant and focused topic, conduct thorough research, structure your paper effectively, and meticulously revise and edit your work. Thus, with practice and persistence, you can master the art of writing an outstanding law research paper that engages readers and contributes to the legal discourse.

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A step-by-step guide to writing a Research Paper

The article is written by Bodhisattwa Majumder , from MNLU, Mumbai.

DISCLAIMER : I am not a professional. I am a penultimate year student who takes genuine interest to learn and help others. Every word of this article is based upon my personal experience, and expert advice which I have gained from the Internet, and certain kind individuals whom I have interacted with in my internships, college and LinkedIn. This article is for beginners, who think they have no clue about legal writing.

Table of Contents

Select a topic first, Not the publisher

Yes. Select a topic first. Don’t choose the end first, basing your research topic on a “Call for Paper” would be limiting yourself to their demand, rather than flexing your passion and comfort. Trust me, you will have a lot of journal choices for any type of law you choose.

Take caution! Don’t try to convert your Moot Court Memorials or other assignments into research papers! I have often come across several law students trying to convert their memorials or academic projects into research papers for publications (often sinned that myself too), However, what I have found is, that it is a great setback for budding authors. You might feel that given that as you have already researched that field you have better chances and you will be able to publish easily. Firstly , the topics for the moot research are often not what the publishers or readers want. Secondly , already having worked in a lackadaisical way (projects in my case) brings in boredom and lack of interest and as a result, you are in a hurry to get it done with. After that, the result is a half-hearted submission which has higher chances of rejection. DONT DO THIS. Star afresh. Look for burning issues that align your passion. Research on the requirements of the publishing houses. Consult your professors about the grey areas. Trust me it’ll be much better.

Characteristic of a topic?

The topic should be URI . Unsettled, Relevant and Interesting. All these components are very important and I will tell you why.

Firstly, if it is an already settled topic, then you won’t be able to give any original thought. You would be simply compiling the stuff. You don’t want to do that.

Secondly, if it is 20 years old, nobody cares about it. The recruiters will spot your topic only if it helps them in their practice.

Thirdly, even if it’s a burning issue and unsettled, you will lose interest if its bland and does not match your passion. Take a topic which makes you think.

But, how to find a relevant topic?

It is the most difficult and tenuous process to publish a paper. It has no specific way but I have found the following steps helpful:

• Follow market leaders. Partners, Associates, Firms on LinkedIn. They regularly post the latest issues which they face in practice.
• Follow legal news. Livelaw, Bar&Bench amongst a few.
• Subscribe to Law journals. (might cost a buck)
• Set up Google Alerts on certain keywords.

This will take at least a few weeks. It’s a very boring process but once you get hooked on you will enjoy it.

Research: Where to study from?

You have to develop a knowledge base. This has to be done stepwise.

• Preliminary Knowledge: All the articles you can find on this online through Google Searches, they might sound quirky and local but read what they want to say. Trust me although they are not authentic, but they can be surprisingly precise at times. Very easy to read, so you will not sleep while reading it. This will help you get the basics and set an argument in motion.
• Detailed Reading I:  Books. Commentaries from known publishers such as EBC, LexisNexis, Sweet and Maxwell, Bloomsbury etc. They help understand the nitty-gritty of the subject and also understand the evolution of the law. BUT, be aware they are not often updated and latest case laws might be missing. This will help you frame a tentative argument.
• Detailed Reading II: Journals. Bring in the Big Guns. Manupatra, SCC, HeinOnline, West law et al. You will get the most recent, most updates and most authentic information. This will help you substantiate your arguments and provide the authorities. BEWARE, these are often very complex and might make you sleep. Kick the passion!

Drafting: I have an idea, but can’t frame it!

No one can help you here. You have to put in your twelve years of slavery to practice. Some tips on writing:

• Don’t schedule writing AFTER Research. Write simultaneously. Only when you sit down to write, you will know what you NEED.
• Be precise and simple. No need to throw in jargons.
• Don’t copy as it is. Learn to paraphrase on your mind. Read a sentence, close your eyes and type without looking again. You have the inbuilt power of paraphrasing.
• Try to follow a direction. Make a flow chart if needed. Guide the reader. 
• There should be a connection and straight flow between the sections.
• CITATIONS: Go to a reputed journal which follows your required citation style, look up in old volumes how they have done it. It’s the easiest way out. Googling never helps here.

Where to send the manuscript?

The second-most difficult job. Finding the appropriate journal. A balance between reputation and success rate is to be ensured. If you are reading this article, most probably too reputed will disappoint you and too bad will be a disappointment after all this hard work.

What to look while searching for a journal?

• Genesis:  Year of the first publication, the older it is, the better.
• Frequency (yearly, monthly, annually) : The more the merrier (higher probability).
• Brands associated with it. Either in the form of reviewer, sponsor, editor, publisher. (Always go for an NLU Journal)
• Region:  If it’s a foreign journal, no matter how shitty it is, it will impress the recruiters. 
• Outreach:  Very difficult to find, but usually google help.
• Nature:  If it’s a paid subscription-based, it’s probably good. But not the other way around.

How to find a journal?

• Google: Search with the following keywords. “_____Law + Journal + Submission + Call”, Set advanced search and list by recent.
• Call for papers: Lawoctopus, LawLex etc. Check the ads. But beware, a lot of competition here.
• Follow the heard: Check where your friends or seniors have published before. Ask them.
• Connections: If you have them, you don’t need this article.

Sending process

• INSTALL “mailtrack” already. You need to know whether anyone is reading your emails.
• Always use institutional mail ids for these things. Good impression. Don’t keep any other emails apart from professional mails here. If you MISS it, you will regret for weeks.
• Follow up every 7 days . It is a long process, often takes more than months. Be patient, don’t irritate the editor.
• Make an attractive cover letter. Have a professional DP. Place a detailed signature. I will provide mine:

Relax, and wait for “the mail”. All the best.

Frequently asked Questions

• What do you think is the better route? Writing elaborate papers for journals or writing articles for these online blogs?

You have to do both. Blogs display that you’re up to date and most people read blogs they don’t have time for elaborate papers. But papers look good on CV and displays that you have in-depth knowledge.

• So how many papers one should right?

No watertight answer for this. Based on your capacity. I set a goal of 1 Paper and 2 blogs in two months.

• Any idea what these recruiting firms want to see on your profile?

Based on interviews which I’ve given, they want to see two things:

• Passion: The branch which you are joining, you have some interest on that and you’re just not there for the bucks.
• How to prove you’ve passion? Publications. You’ve applied your mind and you’ve kept in touch with the market
• Who should we ask for guidance?

Different people serve different objects:

• For Topics: Professionals, Teachers.
• For Drafting/where to send: Peers, Seniors.
• Is Co-authorship a good choice?

They are luggage or pullers. Either they will slow you down due to their lack of knowledge or they will move so fast you won’t contribute much. Be clever, go for co-authorship only when the other person knows a person who knows another person . Guaranteed publication, that’s what makes a perfect co-author.

That’s all folks!

LawSikho has created a telegram group for exchanging legal knowledge, referrals and various opportunities. You can click on this link and join:

https://t.me/joinchat/J_0YrBa4IBSHdpuTfQO_sA

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Essentials of valid marriage under muslim law, krishna kumar singh vs. state of bihar (2017), selvi v. state of karnataka (2010) : case analysis.

Thanks a lot !

Thank you so much! This helped me a lot. I literally had no clue what to begin with. Now atleast I can think about writing.

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Writing a law school research paper or law review note

• Books and articles

Examples of student papers

The three documents listed below were written by 2Ls for the Indiana International & Comparative Law Review. If you are writing for a seminar or an independent study, your parameters might be a little different, but these serve as good examples of general expectations for what can satisfy the advanced writing requirement.  

• Ancient Water Law in a Modern Crisis: An Analysis of Australian Water Law Reform in the United States Context
• Seizing the Initiative on Sexual Assault in the United States Military: The Way Forward
• Striking a Balance: Extending Minimum Rights to U.S. Gig Economy Workers Based on E.U. Directive 2019/1153 on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions
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Seminar Paper Research

• Topic Selection
• Preemption Checking
• Guides to Academic Legal Writing
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Evaluating Authority
• Writing the Abstract
• Problems in Constitutional Law Seminar Resources
• Food Law and Policy
• Gender and Criminal Justice Resources
• Equality and Sports

Tips for Writing an Abstract

The abstract is a succinct description of your paper, and the first thing after your title that people read when they see your paper. Try to make it capture the reader's interest.

Outline of Abstract:

Paragraph 1

• Sentence 1: One short sentence, that uses active verbs and states the current state of things on your topic.
• Sentence 2: Describe the problem with the situation described in sentence one, possibly including a worst-case-scenario for what will happen if things continue in their current state.
• Sentence 3: In one sentence, describe your entire paper--what needs to be done to correct the problem from Sentence 1 and avoid the disaster from Sentence 2?
• Sentence 4: What has been written about this? If there is a common consensus among legal scholars, what is it? (Note any major scholars who espouse this vision).
• Sentence 5: What are those arguments missing?

Paragraph 2 :

• Sentence 1-3: How would you do it differently? Do you have a theoretical lens that you are applying in a new way? 
• Sentence 4: In one sentence, state the intellectual contribution that your paper makes, identifying the importance of your paper.

(from " How to Write a Good Abstract for a Law Review Article ," The Faculty Lounge, 2012).

Sample Student Abstracts

The following abstracts are from student-written articles published in Law Reviews and Journals. These abstracts are from articles that were awarded a Law-Review Award by Scribes: The American Society of Legal Writers . You can find more examples of student-written articles by searching the Law Journal Library in HeinOnline for the phrase "J.D. Candidate."

Mary E. Marshall, Miller v. Alabama and the Problem of Prediction, 119 Colum. L. Rev. 1633 (2019) .

Joseph DeMott, Rethinking Ashe v. Swenson from an Originalist Perspective, 71 Stan. L. Rev. 411 (2019)

Julie Lynn Rooney, Going Postal: Analyzing the Abuse of Mail Covers Under the Fourth Amendment, 70 Vand. L. Rev. 1627 (2017).

Michael Vincent, Computer-Managed Perpetual Trusts, 51 Jurimetrics J. 399 (2011).

Other research guides.

NYU Researching & Writing a Law Review Note or Seminar Paper: Writing

The Writing Process

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How to format a research paper

Last updated

7 February 2023

Reviewed by

Miroslav Damyanov

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Writing a research paper can be daunting if you’re not experienced with the process. Getting the proper format is one of the most challenging aspects of the task. Reviewers will immediately dismiss a paper that doesn't comply with standard formatting, regardless of the valuable content it contains. 

In this article, we'll delve into the essential characteristics of a research paper, including the proper formatting.

Make research less tedious

Dovetail streamlines research to help you uncover and share actionable insights

• What is a research paper?

A research paper is a document that provides a thorough analysis of a topic , usually for an academic institution or professional organization. A research paper may be of any length, but they are typically 2,000–10,000 words. 

Unlike less formal papers, such as articles or essays, empirical evidence and data are key to research papers. In addition to students handing in papers, scientists, attorneys, medical researchers, and independent scholars may need to produce research papers.

People typically write research papers to prove a particular point or make an argument. This could support or disprove a theoretical point, legal case, scientific theory, or an existing piece of research on any topic. 

One of the distinguishing characteristics of research papers is that they contain citations to prior research. Citing sources using the correct format is essential for creating a legitimate research paper. 

• Top considerations for writing a research paper

To write a research paper, you must consider several factors. Fields such as the sciences, humanities, and technical professions have certain criteria for writing research papers. 

You’ll write a research paper using one of several types of formatting. These include APA, MLA, and CMOS styles, which we’ll cover in detail to guide you on citations and other formatting rules. 

Specific requirements of the assignment

If the paper is for a college, university, or any specific organization, they’ll give you certain requirements, such as the range of topics, length, and formatting requirements.

You should study the specifics of the assignment carefully, as these will override more general guidelines you may find elsewhere. If you're writing for a particular professor, they may ask for single or double spacing or a certain citation style. 

• Components of a research paper

Here are the basic steps to writing a quality research paper, assuming you've chosen your topic and considered the requirements of the paper. Depending on the specific conditions of the paper you're writing, you may need the following elements:

Thesis statement

The thesis statement provides a blueprint for the paper. It conveys the theme and purpose of the paper. It also informs you and readers what your paper will argue and the type of research it will contain. As you write the paper, you can refer to the thesis statement to help you decide whether or not to include certain items.

Most research papers require an abstract as well as a thesis. While the thesis is a short (usually a single sentence) summary of the work, an abstract contains more detail. Many papers use the IMRaD structure for the abstract, especially in scientific fields. This consists of four elements:

Introduction : Summarize the purpose of the paper

Methods : Describe the research methods (e.g., collecting data , interviews , field research)

Results: Summarize your conclusions.  

Discussion: Discuss the implications of your research. Mention any significant limitations to your approach and suggest areas for further research.

The thesis and abstract come at the beginning of a paper, but you should write them after completing the paper. This approach ensures a clear idea of your main topic and argument, which can evolve as you write the paper.

Table of contents

Like most nonfiction books, a research paper usually includes a table of contents. 

Tables, charts, and illustrations

If your paper contains multiple tables, charts, illustrations, or other graphics, you can create a list of these. 

Works cited or reference page

This page lists all the works you cited in your paper. For MLA and APA styles, you will use in-text citations in the body of the paper. For Chicago (CMOS) style, you'll use footnotes. 

Bibliography

While you use a reference page to note all cited papers, a bibliography lists all the works you consulted in your research, even if you don't specifically cite them. 

While references are essential, a bibliography is optional but usually advisable to demonstrate the breadth of your research.

Dedication and acknowledgments

You may include a dedication or acknowledgments at the beginning of the paper directly after the title page and before the abstract.

• Steps for writing a research paper

These are the most critical steps for researching, writing, and formatting a research paper:

Create an outline

The outline is not part of the published paper; it’s for your use. An outline makes it easier to structure the paper, ensuring you include all necessary points and research. 

Here you can list all topics and subtopics that will support your argument. When doing your research, you can refer to the outline to ensure you include everything. 

Gather research

Solid research is the hallmark of a research paper. In addition to accumulating research, you need to present it clearly. However, gathering research is one of the first tasks. If you compile each piece of research correctly, it will be easier to format the paper correctly. You want to avoid having to go back and look up information constantly.

Start by skimming potentially useful sources and putting them aside for later use. Reading each source thoroughly at this stage will be time-consuming and slow your progress. You can thoroughly review the sources to decide what to include and discard later. At this stage, note essential information such as names, dates, page numbers, and website links. Citing sources will be easier when you’ve written all the information down.

Be aware of the quality of your sources. A research paper should reference scholarly, academic, or scientific journals. It’s vital to understand the difference between primary and secondary sources. 

A primary source is an original, firsthand account of a topic. A secondary source is someone else covering the topic, as in a popular article or interview. While you may include secondary sources, your paper should also include primary research . Online research can be convenient, but you need to be extra careful when assessing the quality of your sources.

Write the first draft

Create a first draft where you put together all your research and address the topic described in your thesis and abstract. 

Edit and format the paper

Proofread, edit, and make any necessary adjustments and improvements to the first draft. List your citations as described below. Ensure your thesis and abstract describe your research accurately. 

• Formatting a research paper: MLA, APA, and CMOS styles

There are several popular formats for research papers: MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association). Certain academic papers use CMOS (Chicago Manual of Style). Other formats may apply to particular fields. 

For example, medical research may use AMA (American Medical Association) formatting and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) for particular technical papers. The following are the guidelines and examples of the most popular formats:

The humanities typically use MLA format, including literature, history, and culture. Look over examples of papers created in MLA format . Here are the main rules to keep in mind:

Double-spaced lines.

Indent new paragraphs 1/2 inch.

Title case for headings, where all major words are capitalized, as in "How to Write a Research Paper." 

Use a popular font such as Times New Roman. This applies to all formatting styles.

Use one-inch margins on all sides. 

Number sections of the paper using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). 

Use a running head for each page on the upper right-hand corner, which consists of your last name and the page number.

Use an in-text citation within the text, using the author's last name followed by the page number: "Anything worth dying for is certainly worth living for" (Heller 155).  

On the citations page, list the full name, book or periodical, and other information. For MLA, you will not need footnotes, only in-text citations.

List citations in alphabetical order on a separate page at the end of the paper entitled “Works Cited.” 

Continuing with the above example from Heller, the listing would be: Heller, Joseph. Catch-22, Simon & Schuster, 1961.

For a periodical, the format is "Thompson, Hunter S. "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" Scanlon's, June 1970."

Use title case for source titles, as in "On the Origin of Species."

The sciences typically use APA format, including physical sciences such as physics and social sciences such as psychology. Simply Psychology provides examples of APA formatting . The following are the most important rules of the APA format.

Begin the paper with a title page, which is not required for MLA.

Use double-line spacing.

Use a running head for each page in the upper right-hand corner, which consists of the paper's title in capital letters followed by the page number.

The citations page at the end should be titled "References."

In-text citations should include the publication date: (Smith, 1999, p. 50). Note also that there's a "p" for "page," whereas in MLA, you write the page number without a "p."

As with MLA, use title case for headings, as in "Most Popular Treatments for Cognitive Disorders."

Use sentence case for titles of sources, as in "History of the decline and fall of the Roman empire." Note "Roman" starts with a capital because it's a proper noun.  

When citing in-text references, use the author's last name and the first and middle initials. 

Always use the Oxford comma. This comma goes before the words "or" and "and" in a list. For example, "At the store, I bought oranges, paper towels, and pasta."

CMOS formatting

Book publishers and many academic papers use CMOS formatting based on the Chicago Manual of Style. CMOS is also called Turabian, named after Kate L. Turabian, who wrote the first manual for this style. Here are examples of CMOS style formatting and citations.

Include an unnumbered title page.

Place page numbers on the upper right-hand corner of the page. Do not list your name or the paper's title as you would for MLA or APA styles.

Use title case for both headings and sources (same as MLA).

Unlike MLA and APA, the Chicago style uses footnotes for citations. Use a superscript for footnotes: "Smith argues against Jones' theory¹.” Footnotes may appear at the bottom of the page or the end of the document.  

CMOS supports both short notes and full notes. In most cases, you'll use the full note: "Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (New York: Penguin, 2006), 76." For further references to the same source, use a short note: " Pollan, Omnivore's Dilemma, 45." The requirements of some papers may specify using only short notes for all footnotes.

• General guidelines for writing and formatting research papers

Keep these guidelines in mind for all types of research papers:

Initial formatting

As you create your first draft, don't worry about formatting. If you try to format it perfectly as you write the paper, it will be difficult to progress and develop a flow of thought. With the first draft, you don't have to be concerned about ordering the sections. You can rearrange headings and sections later. 

Citation tools

Use automation tools for citations . Some useful tools make citations easier by automatically generating a citation list and bibliography. Many work with APA, MLA, and CMOS styles.

Check for plagiarism

Use a plagiarism detector to make sure your paper isn't unintentionally plagiarizing. There are many free and paid plagiarism checkers online, such as Grammarly. 

Proofread your work

Do several rounds of editing and proofreading. Editing is necessary for any type of writing, but you’ll need to revisit several distinct areas with a research paper:

Check for spelling and grammatical errors.

Read the paper to make sure it's well-argued and that you’ve organized it properly. 

Check that you’ve correctly formatted citations. It's easy to make errors, such as incorrect numbering of footnotes (e.g., Chicago style) or forgetting to include a source on your citations page.

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Notarized Letter Format: A Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting Legal Documents

Navigating the world of legal documents can be daunting, especially when it comes to notarized letters. A notarized letter serves as a crucial tool for verifying the authenticity of a document and the identity of the signer. Whether you’re dealing with real estate transactions, legal agreements, or personal matters, understanding the proper format for a notarized letter is essential.

In this article, readers will discover the key elements that make up a notarized letter and the best practices for drafting one. From the necessary components to common pitfalls, this guide will ensure your document meets all legal requirements and stands up to scrutiny.

Table of Contents

What Is A Notarized Letter?

A notarized letter is an official document certified by a notary public. This certification confirms the identity of the signer and the authenticity of the signature. Notarized letters often play a critical role in legal, financial, and real estate transactions.

To notarize a letter, the signer must appear in person before the notary public. The notary then verifies the identity of the signer using valid identification documents. Once verified, the notary watches the signer sign the letter. The notary then affixes their official seal, adding a statement confirming the date and place of the notarization.

Notarized letters carry legal weight because they reduce the risk of fraud. Courts, businesses, and government agencies often require notarized letters to ensure the legitimacy of documents and the identities of those involved. Examples include affidavits, contracts, and power of attorney documents.

Understanding the purpose and process of notarization helps ensure compliance with legal standards. This also increases the credibility and acceptance of the document in various official capacities.

Importance Of A Notarized Letter

A notarized letter holds significant value in various legal and administrative processes. It confirms the authenticity of documents and the identity of signers. This ensures all parties trust the document’s validity.

Fraud Prevention

Notarized letters play a vital role in preventing fraud. They require signers to present valid identification before a notary public, who then confirms their identity. This process reduces the risk of forged signatures and false claims.

Legal Requirement

Many legal transactions demand a notarized letter. Courts, real estate transactions, and business agreements often require notarization. This standard practice ensures documents meet legal standards and have heightened credibility if contested in court.

Authentication And Verification

A notarized letter verifies the signature on a document. For example, when signing a contract, both parties gain assurance that the signatures are authentic, reducing potential disputes. Notarization also adds an official layer of verification that businesses and governmental bodies trust.

International Recognition

Many foreign entities require documents to be notarized for international transactions. For instance, notarized letters are often needed for visas, adoptions, and business agreements abroad. This requirement underscores the global recognition of notarized documents’ authenticity and reliability.

Protecting Interests

Individuals and businesses protect their interests through notarized letters. They offer a clear, legally recognized record that can serve as evidence in disputes. This protection is crucial for personal affairs, such as inheritance claims, and professional dealings, like loan agreements.

Notarized letters provide authenticity, prevent fraud, meet legal requirements, and offer international and personal protections. Their importance in legal and administrative contexts cannot be overstated.

Elements Of A Notarized Letter Format

A notarized letter must include specific elements to ensure it meets legal standards and serves its intended purpose.

The header comprises the title and recipient information. The title clearly states the document’s purpose, such as “Letter of Authorization” or “Affidavit of Support.” It includes the sender’s name and contact details, followed by the date. The recipient’s name and contact information appear next, ensuring all parties are identifiable.

The body contains the main content of the letter. It should be structured, clear, and concise. It describes the purpose of the letter, the facts, statements, or declarations being made by the signer. It may include details like dates, names, addresses, and specific instructions or declarations. The signer should explicitly state their intent and any actions or conditions that should follow. Accurate and factual language in this section enhances the document’s credibility and legal standing.

Notary Signature

The notary signature validates the document. The notary public’s signature, seal, and commission details are included here. It confirms that the notary has verified the identity of the signer and witnessed the signing. The notary’s official stamp or seal is typically placed near their signature. This section also includes the date of notarization, providing a clear record of when the notarization occurred.

Steps To Write A Notarized Letter

To create a notarized letter, follow a structured process to ensure it meets legal requirements and is properly authenticated.

Preparing The Document

Begin by formatting the letter professionally. Include a header with your name, address, and contact details. Add the date and the recipient’s information. Clearly state the letter’s purpose, mentioning relevant details such as dates, names, and specific information related to the matter at hand. Ensure the language is unambiguous and concise. Proofread the document to correct any errors.

Contacting A Notary Public

Find a licensed notary public near you. You can locate notaries through online directories, financial institutions, or local government offices. Schedule an appointment, informing them of the type of letter you need notarized. Bring valid identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport) to verify your identity. The notary public will check your ID, ensure the document is complete, and witness your signature.

Signing The Letter

Sign the letter in the presence of the notary public. Do not sign it beforehand; the notary must witness your signature to validate the document. The notary will then complete the notarization by placing their stamp and signature on the letter. This process confirms your identity and the authenticity of your signature, making the letter legally binding.

By following these structured steps, you ensure that your notarized letter is legally acceptable and effective in its intended purpose.

Legal Applications Of A Notarized Letter

Notarized letters play a pivotal role in various legal transactions. They provide assurance that the documents are authentic and that the identities of the signers have been verified by a notary public. Legal entities, including courts and government agencies, often require notarized letters to confirm the validity of crucial documents.

Court Proceedings

Notarized letters serve as legally recognized evidence in court. They confirm that the information provided is genuine and that the signer’s identity has been verified, ensuring trust in testimonies and affidavits. For example, affidavits used in divorce cases or child custody disputes often need notarization.

Real Estate Transactions

Real estate deals frequently involve numerous legal documents that require notarization. Deeds, agreements, and powers of attorney benefit from notarization to prevent fraud and ensure both parties’ identities are confirmed. Without notarized letters, real estate transactions could be more susceptible to forgery.

Business Contracts

In the business realm, notarized letters are crucial for validating contracts and agreements. They ensure that signatures are genuine and that the parties involved have agreed to the terms. This process helps prevent disputes over contract authenticity.

International Transactions

Notarized letters hold international validity and are often required for cross-border transactions. They provide an additional layer of security, confirming document authenticity and signers’ identities. This is particularly relevant in cases where documents need to be used in foreign jurisdictions, such as international adoptions or business deals.

Estate Planning

Estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, and power of attorney forms, often require notarization. Notarized letters validate these documents, ensuring the individual’s wishes are legally recognized. This helps prevent potential disputes among heirs or beneficiaries.

Loan Agreements

Many financial institutions mandate notarized letters for loan agreements. These letters verify the signer’s identity and intent, adding a layer of security to the lending process. This practice helps prevent identity theft and fraudulent loan applications.

Employment Verifications

Notarized employment verification letters are sometimes required for visa applications or as part of background checks. These letters confirm the authenticity of the employment details provided and the identity of the signer.

Notarized letters are indispensable for legal purposes. They enhance the credibility and acceptance of documents in various official capacities, providing a trusted mechanism to prevent fraud and verify identities.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Incorrect information.

Including incorrect details undermines the letter’s credibility and validity. Inaccurate names, dates, or addresses compromise the document’s integrity and effectiveness.

Missing Notary Stamp or Signature

Omitting the notary stamp or signature invalidates the notarization process. These elements confirm the notary’s verification of the signer’s identity and the document’s authenticity.

Incomplete Documentation

Incomplete documents, lacking essential components like the notary’s acknowledgment, render the notarization process incomplete. Consequences include refusal by courts or organizations.

Unreadable Text

Using illegible handwriting or printing makes the document difficult to read. Clear, typed text ensures readability and prevents misunderstandings.

Expired Identification

Presenting expired ID during notarization nullifies the process. Valid, current identification is required for the notary to authenticate the signer’s identity.

Failure To Sign in Presence of Notary

Signing the document before appearing in front of the notary violates notarization protocols. The notary must witness the signature to ensure its authenticity.

Mastering the format of a notarized letter is essential for anyone involved in legal or administrative processes. These documents play a crucial role in verifying identities and ensuring the authenticity of signatures, which is vital for preventing fraud. By following the outlined steps and avoiding common mistakes, individuals can create effective notarized letters that meet legal standards.

Notarized letters are indispensable in various transactions, from real estate deals to court proceedings. Their ability to provide a trusted layer of verification makes them a valuable tool for both individuals and businesses. Understanding the importance and proper format of these documents can significantly enhance their credibility and acceptance in official matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a notarized letter.

A notarized letter is an official document certified by a notary public that confirms the identity of the signer and the authenticity of their signature. This process ensures the document is legally recognized and trustworthy.

Why are notarized letters important?

Notarized letters enhance document credibility and prevent fraud by verifying the signer’s identity. They are crucial in legal, real estate, and business transactions, ensuring compliance with legal standards and fostering trust among parties.

What elements should a notarized letter include?

A notarized letter must include the signer’s identification details, a clear statement of the document’s purpose, the notary’s signature, and stamp, along with the date of notarization. All these elements ensure the letter meets legal standards.

How do you get a letter notarized?

To get a letter notarized, the signer must appear in person before a licensed notary, present valid identification, and sign the document in the notary’s presence. The notary then verifies the identity and authenticity before affixing their seal and signature.

What are common mistakes to avoid when drafting a notarized letter?

Common mistakes include omitting the notary’s signature or stamp, presenting expired identification, including incorrect information, signing outside the notary’s presence, and submitting incomplete documents. These errors can invalidate the notarized letter.

When are notarized letters required?

Notarized letters are often required in legal proceedings, real estate transactions, business contracts, international transactions, estate planning, loan agreements, and employment verifications. They ensure document authenticity and compliance with legal standards.

Can notarized letters be used internationally?

Yes, notarized letters are widely recognized in international transactions. They serve as an official verification mechanism, enhancing document credibility and acceptance across different jurisdictions.

How do notarized letters prevent fraud?

Notarized letters prevent fraud by requiring the signer to verify their identity before a notary public. This step ensures the authenticity of the signature and reduces the risk of forgery and identity theft.

What is the purpose of the notary’s stamp and signature?

The notary’s stamp and signature confirm the notary’s authorization and validate the document. They serve as proof that the notary has verified the signer’s identity and witnessed the signing, adding an official layer of verification.

Are there any legal implications for incorrect notarization?

Yes, incorrect notarization can render a document invalid, leading to legal disputes and non-compliance with legal standards. It’s crucial to follow proper notarization procedures to ensure the document’s effectiveness and legality.

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Diddy’s Accuser Plotting to Serve Mogul Legal Papers at Prison After Revealing Horrific Alleged Tape

Diddy ' s latest accuser, Thalia Graves , is quickly making moves to serve the disgraced mogul at the Brooklyn prison he was sent to after being denied bond, In Touch can exclusively report.

According to court documents obtained by In Touch , Thalia, 48, and her legal team, which includes the powerhouse attorney Gloria Allred, plan to have the legal papers handed to Diddy, 54, at the Metropolitan Detention Center .

The mogul has been behind bars since his arrest on September 16. Federal agents drove to his New York hotel room to pick him up on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Diddy and his legal team were shut down by two separate judges in the plea to release the musician on $50 million bond until his trial. Prosecutors argued he was a "serious flight risk" and should not be released.

They argued he had the resources to flee and feared the possibility of intimidation of witnesses in the case. The judge sided with the government and denied bond.

Thalia is now using Diddy's new address to move her case forward.

This week, Thalia sued Diddy in federal court accusing him and his head of security, Joseph Sherman, of viciously raping her at the Bad Boy Records studio in New York.

She said the incident occurred in the summer of 2001.

Thalia said her life was “violently knocked off course” because of the incident.

The suit read, “[Thalia] was 25 at the time and dating one of [Diddy’s] employees, a relationship that [Diddy] exploited to lure [Thalia] into meeting him and [Joseph] alone. Once they successfully sequestered [Thalia], [Diddy] and [Joseph] gave [Thalia] a drink, likely laced with a drug that eventually caused her briefly to lose consciousness. She awoke to find herself bound and restrained.”

Thalia claimed that the two men proceeded to brutally sexually assault her. She said Diddy “mercilessly” assaulted her while Joseph “forcefully slammed” her onto a table and slapped her during the alleged assault.

She said that “both men were undeterred by” her cries “for help throughout the attack.” Thalia said she has “never recovered” from the alleged assault.

Her lawyer said “she remained silent and did not report the crime out of fear that defendants would use their power to ruin her life, as they had repeatedly, explicitly threatened to do. To this day, [Thalia] suffers from severe depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and still lives in fear of Defendants.”

To make matters worse, she said she learned in November 2023 that Diddy and Joseph had video-recorded the alleged assault and had shown the video to multiple men, “seeking to publicly degrade and humiliate both [Thalia] and her boyfriend.”

Her lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

As In Touch first reported, Diddy's former artist Dawn Richard filed a separate lawsuit against the musician this month. She claimed she had to beg him for food but was only allowed peanut butter shakes. Diddy denied her claims days before his arrest.

One of Diddy’s lawyers, Erica Wolff, told In Touch , “Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day — conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour. If Ms. Richard had such a negative experience with Making the Band and Danity Kane, she would not have chosen to continue working directly with Mr. Combs for Dirty Money, nor would she have returned for the Making the Band reboot in 2020 or agreed to be featured on The Love Album last year. It’s unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.”

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Presidential Silver Medal Honoring Grover Cleveland Available October 2

WASHINGTON – The Grover Cleveland Presidential Silver Medal will be available for purchase directly from the United States Mint (Mint) on October 2 at noon ET. Cleveland was the Nation’s 22nd and 24th President, serving from 1885 to 1889, and from 1893 to 1897, respectively. He was the only President in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive presidential terms.

The Presidential Silver Medals are 99.9 percent fine silver, with each medal measuring 1.598 inches in diameter.

The obverse and reverse designs are by Mint artist C.E. Barber. The obverse (heads) depicts a bust of Grover Cleveland with the inscription “GROVER CLEVELAND.” The reverse (tails) features, within an oak wreath, the inscriptions “INAUGURATED PRESIDENT OF∙THE∙UNITED∙STATES MARCH∙4∙1885” and “SECOND∙TERM MARCH∙4∙1893.”

Each medal is encapsulated and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The Grover Cleveland Presidential Silver Medal is priced at $90. Orders will be accepted at https://catalog.usmint.gov/grover cleveland-presidential-silver-medal-S822.html/ (product code S822).

To view additional medals in this series, visit: https://catalog.usmint.gov/medals/presidential/silver-presidential-medals/ .

Presidential Silver Medals are also available for purchase via the Mint’s Product Subscription Program , which works like a magazine subscription. After you subscribe, you will receive the next product released in the series and continue to receive products until you end your enrollment. Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/presidential-silver-medal-subscription-RJ.html/ to learn more.

Please use the Mint’s catalog site at https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

About the United States Mint Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of October 2, 2024, at noon EDT.

The Presidential Silver Medals are also available from the Mint’s sales centers at the Philadelphia Mint, 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street); at the Denver Mint, 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 (on Cherokee Street, between West Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue); and from the United States Mint Headquarters Coin Store in Washington, D.C.; 801 9th St., NW; Washington, DC 20220.

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