Research 101: How to Find Forms and Precedents

Overview

• What are forms and precedents?
   
  • samples of common legal documents.
  • forms that are legislated by statute or regulation.
  • materials that have evolved through common use to become accepted standards.

• Why would I want to use them?
   
  • to save time.
  • to help you understand what information to include and what structure to use.
  • some forms are legislated and must be used in certain situations.

• How would I use them?
   
  • find a sample form or precedent that suits your situation as closely as possible.
  • tailor the precedent to suit your client's needs. Remember, these are sample wordings or frameworks, not complete "fill in the blanks."
  • ensure that the resulting form addresses all the necessary issues and does not do anything you don't want it to do.

• What is not available at the Great Library?
   
  • actual court documents filed in court registries, such as pleadings and factums. Please contact the relevant court registries directly.