Legal Method (LAW1030)

Citation:

The citation is the reference to the place or places where the case has been published. The citation to the case can usually be found at the top of the second page. This is probably the most important information to identifying and finding the case.

Caption:

The heading of a legal document stating the time and place including the name of the parties in the case. Generally, the first party is the plaintiff and the second party is the defendant. Note that as cases are appealed, those parties may reverse positions.

Catchwords:

The catchwords are often italicised and comprise subject terms which describe the case. The catchwords are useful in legal research in that you can use these catchwords to identify the key legal issues and legislation discussed and ruled on in the case. It can also be used to search for other relevant cases dealing with similar legal issues. They are of use to researches as an initial indication of what case is about. In the case where more than one issue is discussed the catchwords are divided into separate paragraphs.

Headnote:

The headnote is a brief summary of the case. This is divided into paragraphs, providing:

A summary of the applicable law A summary of any previous court decision being appealed against A summary of the main arguments made by the parties lawyers What the Court has held Any other comments made by judges Reference to any specific case being overruled, followed, upheld or commented upon A summary of the procedural history of the case

Court:

Judges:

Date of hearing:

Date of judgment:

Procedural History:

Judgment:

Cases refrerred to:

Legislation referred to:

Notes:

Counsel: