B.
Computer-Assisted Legal Research (CALR)
Computer-assisted legal research (CALR)
or computer-based legal research is a mode
of legal research that uses databases of court
opinions, statutes, court documents, and secondary
material. Electronic databases make large bodies
of case law easily available. Databases also have
additional benefits, such as Boolean searches,
evaluating case authority, organizing cases by topic,
and providing links to cited material. Databases are
available through paid subscription or for free.
Types of computer Assisted Legal Research (CALR)
 CD ROMs
 LEXIS
 Westlaw
 Internet sites
 Intranets
1. Boolean Searching
Boolean searching is built on a
method of symbolic logic developed by
George Boole, a 19th century English
mathematician.
a. Three basic logical operators (AND, OR,
and NOT)
Boolean Operators are simple words
(AND, OR, NOT or AND NOT) used as
conjunctions to combine or exclude
keywords in a search, resulting in more
focused and productive results.
AND : Using AND narrows a search by
combining terms.
OR : Using OR broadens a search to
include results that contain either of the
words you're looking for.
NOT : Using NOT will narrow a search by
exclusion. (Some search engines, like
Google, recognize the minus (-) symbol,
instead of the word NOT).
Quotations : Placing quotations around a
specific phrase will help you narrow
results in order to find information
containing that exact wording.
Boolean methods can be used on any
search engine: Google, LinkedIn, or
even Facebook.
b. Proximity connectors
Proximity connectors are used to specifically
Identify how closely words appear in a
document. The most commonly used
proximity connectors are:
/p: used to indicate that the words in a search
statement must be found within the same
paragraph.
/s: used to indicate that the words in a search
statement must be found within the same
sentence.
/#: the connector /#, or w/#: used to indicate
that the words in a search statement must be
found within a specified number of words
within each other. For example, the search
statement personal /3 jurisdiction will retrieve
records in which the words “personal” and
“jurisdiction” appear within three terms of each
other, regardless of which word appears first.
2. Field and segment searching
All documents of the same type have a
common structure, composed of the natural parts
or divisions referred to as segments or fields. For
example, cases contain name, date, court,
opinion, and dissent segments, among others.  A
search template or search command can be used
to look for words within a certain part of the
document.
Segment searching is especially useful when you
are looking for:
 Opinions written by a particular judge
 Cases involving a specific party
 Cases in which a particular attorney or firm
appeared as counsel
Field searching using a search syntax has
become less important, because the new systems
(Westlaw, Lexis Advance, BLaw) often allow the
use of pre and post filters instead.  The Advanced
Search on Westlaw provides a template where
one can search by certain fields. But  other times
a desired result can only be achieved by using
segment or field search syntax.   For example, a
useful field search in Westlaw is synopsis
digest, e.g. sy,di ("constructive possession"). 
This search finds the search terms in the synopsis
and digest field, so it pulls cases that really
concentrate on a particular issue, not just mention
it in passing.
3. Lex Libris, Lexis and Westlaw
Lex Libris Group offers virtual legal reference
services to solo practitioners, small firms, and
government entities needing legal information
assistance.

It is a Legal Encyclopaedia which identifies
key legal words, phrases and terms of art over
several practice areas and provides easy to
interpret, up-to-date definitions of those terms,
complete with a clear explanation of what they
mean and providing valuable context.
The Lexis® service is designed to make
searching easier and more intuitive. You
can enter your search terms in a search box
and run your search through all available
content or use filters to restrict your search to
only certain sources, jurisdictions, categories,
or practice areas.
Westlaw is an online legal research service
and proprietary database for lawyers and legal
professionals available in over 60 countries.
a. Composing online searches
4. Internet research
a. Strategies for internet research
 Vary your search engine: in fact, get
used to using several, as they have
different strengths.
 Use specific keywords: be as specific as
you can in your wording.
 Simplify your search terms: strip out
unnecessary stop words and avoid
suffixes.
 Use quotation marks: this narrows
searches down to particular words and
phrases.
 Remove unhelpful words: remove
confusing or misdirecting terms from your
searches with the - (minus) operator.
 Refine your search using
operators: use operators to search
specific sites, related sites, and particular
combinations of terms.
 Avoid search pitfalls: the internet is a
selling tool as well as a fantastic resource.
Be sure that you only view advertisements
if you want to.
C. Constitutional and Statutory Research
1. Constitutional law research
2. Statutes
a. Primary and Secondary statutory
authorities
Legal researchers utilize two types of
authority, referred to as primary and
secondary authority. Primary authority is the
law, which includes constitutions, statutes and
ordinances, rules and regulations, and case
law. These authorities form the rules that
courts follow. Secondary authority is not the
law.
b. Official and unofficial sources
c. Annotated and unannotated laws
The meaning of UNANNOTATED
is not marked with critical or
explanatory notes or comments . An
unannotated code includes the text of
the statutes and history notes
identifying the origin and amendments
for each statute. Annotated codes
have this information and also contain
citations to cases interpreting the
statute, regulations pertaining to the
statute, and secondary sources
discussing the statute.
4. Terms used in legislation
ABSENT: Not present at a session.
 Absent with leave: Not present at a session with consent.
 Absent without leave: Not present at a session without consent.
ACT: Legislation enacted into law. A bill that has passed both houses of the legislature, been
enrolled, ratified, signed by the governor or passed over the governor's office, and printed. It is a
permanent measure, having the force of law until repealed.
 Local act: Legislation enacted into law that has limited application.
 Private act: Legislation enacted into law that has limited application.
 Public act: Legislation enacted into law that applies to the public at large.
ADHERE: A step in parliamentary procedure whereby one house of the legislature votes to stand
by its previous action in response to some conflicting action by the other chamber.
ADJOURNMENT: Termination of a session for that day, with the hour and day of the next meeting
being set.
ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE: Final termination of a regular or special legislative session.
ADOPTION: Approval or acceptance; usually applied to amendments, committee reports or
resolutions.
AMENDMENT: Any alteration made (or proposed to be made) to a bill or clause thereof, by
adding, deleting, substituting or omitting.
 Committee amendment: An alteration made (or proposed to be made) to a bill
that is offered by a legislative committee.
 Floor amendment: An alteration offered to a legislative document that is
presented by a legislator while that document is being discussed on the floor of
that legislator's chamber.
APPEAL: A parliamentary procedure for testing (and possibly changing) the decision of a
presiding officer.
APPORTIONMENT: Establishment of the legislative districts from which members are elected.
APPROPRIATION: Funds allocated for various departments of government set aside by formal
action for specific use. Allows money to be spent; is not actual expenditure record.
AT-LARGE ELECTION: An election in which candidates are chosen on an individual basis rather
than as representatives of a geographically defined, single-member district. At-large elections can
be held at the legislative and presidential levels. In the United State of America, some states hold
at-large elections for congressional seats, when, for instance, a state's entire population warrants
only one representative.
AUTHOR: The person (usually a legislator) who presents a bill or resolution for consideration; may
be joined by others, who are known as coauthors. See also: introducer, patron, sponsor.
BICAMERAL: A legislature consisting of two separate chambers, each serving as a check on the
other's power.
BIENNIUM: Two-year term of legislative activity.
BILL: Draft of a proposed law presented to the legislature for consideration.
BIPARTISAN: Having an affiliation or association with (or representatives of) both political parties
or caucuses in a two-party system.
BUDGET: (1) The suggested allocation of state moneys presented to the legislature for
consideration;
(2) a formal document that reflects the authorized expenditures of the state.
CALENDAR: (1) A printed list of proposals that are arranged according to the order of business
and are scheduled for consideration by a chamber.
(2) Agenda of daily legislative business in a chamber.
CALENDAR DAY: Literally a day as listed on the Gregorian calendar.
CALL OF THE SENATE OR HOUSE: Procedure used to compel the attendance of members who
are missing from the chamber and to compel those members already in attendance to remain in
the chamber.
CARRY-OVER LEGISLATION: Legislation that is held over from the first year of a legislative
biennium to the second year.
CAUCUS: An informal meeting of a group of the members; most commonly based on political
party affiliation, but may have other bases, such as gender, race, geographic location or specific
issue.
CENSURE: An action by a legislative body to officially reprimand an elected official for
inappropriate or illegal actions committed by that official while in office. The act of censuring is an
official condemnation for inappropriate or illegal actions committed by a public official while holding
a position of trust.
CHAMBER: Official hall for the meeting of a legislative body.
CLERK OF THE HOUSE OR ASSEMBLY: A non-legislator officer who is appointed or elected by
the members of the House of Representatives or Assembly to perform and direct the parliamentary
and clerical functions of the chamber. Also may be titled "chief clerk" or "principal clerk."
CODE: A compilation of laws and their revisions according to subject matter (usually arranged by
title, chapter and section); the official publication of the statutes.
COMMITTEE: A body of members appointed by the presiding officer (or another authority
specified by the chamber) to consider and make recommendations concerning disposition of bills,
resolutions and other related matters.
 Conference committee: A committee composed of members from the two
houses specifically appointed to reconcile the differences between House and
Senate versions of a bill or bills.
 Interim committee: A committee established to study or investigate certain
matters between annual or biennial legislative sessions and to report to the next
regular session.
 Joint committee: A committee composed of members from both chambers.
 Standing committee: A committee appointed with continuing responsibility in a
general issue area or field of legislative activity.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE: Either house of the legislature sitting in its entirety as a committee
to consider bills or issues.
COMMITTEE REPORT: Official release of a bill or resolution from committee with (or without) a
specific recommendation, such as "pass", "pass as amended" or "do not pass."
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE: A bill offered by a committee in lieu of another bill that was originally
referred to the committee for consideration; technically, the committee substitute is an amendment
to the original bill.
CONCURRENCE (TO CONCUR): Action by which one house agrees to a proposal or action that
the other chamber has approved.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Untenable position that threatens the ability of a legislator to vote
impartially due to some personal interest in a legislative issue.
CONSTITUENT: A citizen residing within the district of a legislator.
CONSTITUTION: A written instrument embodying the fundamental principles of the state that
guarantees powers and duties of the government and guarantees certain rights to the people.
CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY: One more than half of the members of a deliberative body; actual
number may be defined in the state constitution.
CONVENE: When the members of a chamber gather for the meeting of the legislature daily,
weekly and at the beginning of a session as provide by the constitution or law.
DEBATABLE: Open to parliamentary discussion or argument.
DEBATE: Discussion of a matter according to parliamentary rules.
DECORUM: Proper order, etiquette and conduct of members during a floor session.
DIED IN COMMITTEE: The defeat of a bill by not returning it from committee to the house for
further action. (Only permitted in certain states.)
DILATORY: Deliberate use of parliamentary procedure to delay.
DISSENT: Difference of opinion; to cast a negative vote.
DISTRICT: That division of the state represented by a legislator distinguished numerically or by
geographical boundaries.
DIVISION: A method of voting; a request that members stand or raise hands to be counted when
the outcome of a voice vote is unclear or in dispute.
DIVISION OF A QUESTION: Procedure to separate a matter to be voted upon into two or more
questions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: A law generally becomes effective, or binding, either upon a date specified in
the law itself or, in the absence of such a date, a fixed number of days (depending on the state)
after the final adjournment of the session during which it was enacted or on signature by the
governor.
ELECTION: Act of selecting a person to fill an office.
EMERGENCY CLAUSE: A statement in a bill that indicates the act shall take immediate effect.
ENACTING CLAUSE: That clause of an act that formally expresses the legislative sanction. It
varies in different states, but usually begins "Be It Enacted."
ENGROSS: Most commonly, the process by which a bill is updated--that is, how adopted
amendments and other changes are incorporated into a bill—as it makes its way through the
Senate or House.
ENROLL: Most commonly, the process of changing a bill passed by both chambers into its final
format for transmission to the governor.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A session excluding from the chamber or committee room all persons
other than members and essential staff personnel.
EXCUSED: Absent with the permission of the body or the presiding officer.
EXPUNGE: An action that directs the removal of specific portions from the journal. This is
applicable in situations where objectionable, inflammatory or incorrect matter has been included in
the journal.
FILIBUSTER: The prolonged discussion of a bill to delay legislative action.
FIRST READING: The first presentation of a bill or its title for consideration. In some states, the
first reading is done at the time of introduction.
FISCAL: Dealing with state revenues and expenditures.
FISCAL NOTE: A fiscal note seeks to state in dollars the estimated amount of increase or
decrease in revenue or expenditures and the present and future implications of a piece of pending
legislation.
FISCAL YEAR: An accounting period of 12 months.
FLOOR: That portion of the legislative chamber reserved for members and officers of the
assembly or other persons granted privileged access.
GALLERY: Balconies of the chamber from which visitors may view the proceedings of the
legislature.
GERMANENESS: The relevance or appropriateness of amendments or substitutes.
HEARING: Public discussion and appearance on a proposal or bill; usually scheduled by a
committee.
HOUSE: Generic term for a legislative body; usually the body in a bicameral legislature that has
the greater number of members; shortened name for House of Representatives or House of
Delegates.
IMPEACHMENT: Procedure to remove from office a public official accused of misconduct.
INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT: A form of adverse disposition of a proposal for that session of the
legislature.
INSERT: Add language to a bill or resolution.
INTERIM: The interval between regular sessions of the legislature.
INTRODUCER: The person (usually a legislator) who presents a bill or resolution for
consideration; may be joined by others, who are known as cointroducer. See also: author, patron,
sponsor
INTRODUCTION: The formal presentation of a proposal after it has been drafted.
ITEM VETO: An action taken by the governor to prevent the enactment of an item of an
appropriation bill; also may be called line item veto.
JOINT RULES: Parliamentary rules governing joint procedures or operations of the Senate and
House.
JOINT SESSION: A combined meeting of the Senate and House in one chamber.
JOURNAL: An official chronological record of the actions taken and proceedings of the respective
chambers.
LEGISLATIVE DAY: A day on which either chamber convenes (or both chambers convene) to
conduct official business.
LEGISLATIVE INTENT: Purpose for which a measure is passed.
LEGISLATIVE LIAISON: Person appointed to communicate between legislators and other
departments.
LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT: Scrutiny of executive branch programs and performance by the
legislature.
LEGISLATIVE SERVICE AGENCY: Nonpartisan legislative branch agency providing services
such as legal and bill drafting, impartial research and information or technical services.
LEGISLATOR: Elected member of a legislative body.
LEGISLATURE: The branch of state government responsible for enacting laws.
LINE ITEM: Numeric line in an appropriation or budget bill.
LOBBYIST: A representative of a special interest group whose function is to influence legislation
affecting his special interest.
MAJORITY LEADER: A member of the majority political party designated to be a leader. (The
procedure for designating the majority leader and other officers varies from state to state.)
MAJORITY PARTY: The political party having the greatest number of members in the legislature
or in either chamber.
MAJORITY REPORT: Recommendation of action on a measure that is submitted by a majority of
the members of a committee.
MEASURE: General term for bill, resolution or memorial.
MEMBER ELECT: Member who has been elected, but who has not yet taken the oath of office or
who is not yet officially serving.
MEMBERS PRESENT: The term used to refer to those members who are actually present at a
daily session.
MEMORIAL: The method by which the legislature addresses or petitions Congress and other
governments or governmental agencies; method by which the legislature congratulates or honors
groups or individuals.
MINORITY LEADER: A member of the minority political party designated to be leader. (Process of
designation varies from state to state.)
MINORITY PARTY: The political party having fewer numbers of members in the legislature or in
either chamber.
MINORITY REPORT: A report that reflects the thinking of the members not favoring the majority
position or action on an issue.
MINUTES: Accurate record of the proceedings of a meeting in chronological order.
MOTION: Formal proposal offered by a member of a deliberative assembly.
NONPARTISAN: Having no association or affiliation with a political party or caucus.
OATH OF OFFICE: Oath taken by members-elect of the legislature prior to being seated and
embarking upon official duties.
ORDER OF BUSINESS: The defined routine of procedure in the legislative body each day.
OUT OF ORDER: Not being conducted under proper parliamentary rules and procedures.
PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY: Question posed by a member to the presiding officer for clarification
of the procedure or business before the house.
PARTISAN:- Associated or affiliated with a single political party or caucus.
PATRON: The person (usually a legislator) who presents a bill or resolution for consideration; may
be joined by others, who are known as copatrons. See also: author, introducer, sponsor
PER DIEM: Literally, per day; daily expense money rendered to legislators or staff.
PETITION: Formal request submitted by an individual or group of individuals to the legislature.
POINT OF INFORMATION: A request from a legislator to the presiding officer for clarification of a
procedural matter.
POINT OF ORDER: A question by a member to the presiding officer calling attention to a breach
of order or of the rules.
POSTPONE INDEFINITELY: A means of disposing of an issue by not setting a date on which to
consider it again.
PRECEDENT: Interpretation of rulings by presiding officers on specific rules; unwritten rules that
are established by custom.
PREFILE: Ability to introduce a measure before the opening of the session.
PRESIDENT: Usually, the title given to the person elected (or designated by constitution) as the
presiding officer of the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: Person designated to preside at a legislative session.
PREVIOUS QUESTION: A motion to close debate and bring the pending question or questions to
an immediate vote.
PRO TEMPORE (PRO TEM): The designated officer of the senate or house acting in the absence
of the regular presiding officer.
QUORUM: When a legislative body is assembled, the minimum number of members required to
transact business.
QUORUM CALL: A method used to establish the presence of a majority for the lawful transacting
of business.
RATIFY: To approve and make valid.
READING: Presentation of a bill before either chamber by the reading the bill, its title or its
number. A formal procedure required by constitution and rules that indicates a stage in enactment 6. Statutory Research Process
process. Most often, a bill must receive three readings on three different days in each legislative
body.
a. Statutory law research technique
REAPPORTIONMENT: Redrawing legislative district boundaries to provide equality of
representation.
i. Descriptive word approach
RECESS: Intermission in a daily session; intermission from one day to the next; . There are 3 main data collection
REFERRAL: The assigning or referring of a bill to committee. methods in descriptive research,
REPEAL: A method by which a legislative action is revoked or annulled.
RESOLUTION: A document that expresses the sentiment or intent of the legislature or a chamber, namely; observational method, case
that governs the business of the legislature or a chamber, or that expresses recognition by the
legislature or a chamber. study method, and survey research.
ROLL CALL: Names of the members being called in alphabetical order and recorded; used to
establish a quorum or to take a vote on an issue before the body.
ii. Title/Topic approach
RULES: Regulating principles or methods of legislative procedure.
RULING OF THE CHAIR: A decision by the presiding officer concerning a question of order or
iii. Popular name approach
procedure. 6. Codes
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE: A non-legislator officer appointed or
elected by the members of the Senate to perform and direct the
parliamentary and clerical functions of the Senate; also may be called "clerk,"
"chief clerk" or "principal secretary." D. Legislative History Research
SENATE: A legislative body; usually the body in a bicameral legislature having the fewer number
of members. 1. Statute law books, statute finder (index)
SENIORITY: Recognition of prior legislative service.
SESSION: (1) Period during which the legislature meets;
2. Sources and types of legislative history
(2) the daily meeting of the Senate or House. documents
 Regular session: The annual (or biennial) meeting of the legislature required by a. House of Representatives and
Senate
constitution
b. Bill History
 Special (or extraordinary) session: A special meeting of the legislature that is c. Hearings
d. Committee prints
called by the governor (or the legislature itself) and limited to specific matters.
SIMPLE MAJORITY: One more than half of those voting on a question. e. House journals
SINE DIE: Literally, "without day;" usually, adjournment without a day being set for reconvening;
final adjournment. f. Presidential statements
SPEAKER: Usually the title given to the person elected as the presiding officer of the House or
Assembly; in some states, the title given to the presiding officer of the Senate.
SPECIAL ORDER: (1) To set consideration of a bill or measure for a specific, future time of the
session;
E. Case Law Research
(2) matter of business set for discussion at a special time, on a designated day or both.
SPONSOR: The person (usually a legislator) who presents a bill or resolution for consideration;
1. Case law and jurisprudence
may be joined by others, who are known as cosponsor. See also: author, introducer, patron. 2. Case law proper and subordinate case law
STATE: One of the 50 units constituting the United States of America.
STATUTE: A formal enactment of the legislature of a more permanent nature. The term "statute" is 3. Court opinion
used to designate written law, as distinguished from unwritten law.
STATUS OF BILL: The progress of a bill at any given time in the legislative process. It can be in 4. Case Brief
committee, on the calendar, in the other house, etc.
STRIKE OUT: The deletion of language from a bill or resolution. 5. Doctrine of Binding Precedent or Stare
SUNSET: Expiration date of a measure.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION: Adjustment of funds allocated by the original appropriation.
Decisis
SUSPENSION OF THE RULES: Parliamentary procedure whereby actions can be taken that
would otherwise be out of order.
6. Precedent
TERM OF OFFICE: Period of time for which a person is elected. a. Two Categories of a Holding of a
TITLE: A concise statement of the subject and the contents of a bill.
UNICAMERAL: A legislature with only one chamber. Case
VETO: Action by the governor to disapprove a measure.
VETO OVERRIDE: Vote by the legislature to pass a bill over a governor's veto. i. Ratio Decidendi
VOICE VOTE: Oral expression of the members when a question is submitted for their
determination. When asked by the presiding officers, members respond "aye" or "nay." The ii. Obiter Dictum
presiding officer then decides which side prevailed.
VOTE: Formal expression of a decision by the body.
7. Doctrine of Res Judicata
YEAS AND NAYS: Recorded vote of members on an issue.
YIELD: To relinquish the floor to another member to speak or ask question.
8. Anatomy of a case
9. Publication of cases
4. Effect and application of laws a. Law Reports, Case or Court
a. Effectivity of laws Reports, Case Finders (Digest and
Laws shall take effect after fifteen Index)
days following the completion of 7. Foreign Judgments
their publication either in the Official 8. Case law research
Gazette or in a newspaper of general a. Case law research techniques
circulation in the Philippines, unless it
is otherwise provided. F. Treaties and Administrative Law Research
5. Anatomy of statutes 1. Treaties
o Number 2. Research on treaties and international
o Short title agreements
3. Administrative Rules and Regulations
o Purpose clause
4. Administrative rules and regulations
o Scope
research
o Definitions 5. Strategies for researching administrative
o Substantive Provisions materials
o Other Provisions 6. Looseleaf Services
o Reference Information