How do I find a law journal topic?
Asked by: Bettie Mann | Last update: January 9, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (25 votes)
Legal News: A common place to start is with reputable legal news sources, like Law360, The American Lawyer, and National Law Journal. These are great for finding current and evolving legal issues.
How to pick a law journal note topic?
There are many sources of potential topics. One starting point is recent cases, regulations or legislation. Of course, you will be writing much more deeply than a simple case note, but recent developments such as these may serve as potential jumping off points for your Note.
How to pick a legal research topic?
Brainstorm about areas of interest. Think about interesting concepts from your courses, work history or life experience. Review current awareness sources like legal news, legal practice publications, or law blogs to generate more ideas and/or to identify legal developments related to your topic.
How do I find a law review article topic?
Go on westlaw and type in some key words pertinent to that topic. Sort by articles written in the last three years. From there find some articles of interest and start combing through footnotes. Footnotes are usually the place where writers will toss in asides that aren't really the focus of their article.
Is it hard to get published in a law journal?
It can be difficult to publish in high-ranked law journals if you are not a professor. Law students do the screening, and they often use various markers of scholarly prestige to filter out articles. Articles written by non-academics face an uphill battle.
Writing for Law Review: Picking a Topic
Are law journals worth it?
While participating in a law journal is by no means required, many lawyers consider this extracurricular experience to be a highlight of their law school experience.
Will a journal hold up in court?
Diaries are Not Usually Confidential
If it's discoverable, the contents of your diary could indeed be used to substantiate a certain position. In some situations, your diary may not be considered much more than “hearsay,” and therefore may be practically useless from an evidentiary viewpoint.
How do I find a good topic for an article?
Your instructor, course readings, class notes, Wikipedia, and Google can all be helpful in terms of getting ideas for broad topics. A Research Guide for a particular subject created by a subject librarian is great for helping you choose where to begin your research.
How to search journals on Westlaw?
Use Westlaw to search for articles in law reviews and other law journals. In the Browse box, under All Content, click on Secondary Sources. In the left hand facets, find the Publication Type box. Within the box, select Law Reviews and Journals.
Where do I start with legal research?
- Determine the relevant jurisdiction. ...
- Identify the legal issue and determine keywords to describe the issue. ...
- Begin your research by consulting a secondary source. ...
- Locate relevant statutes. ...
- Find relevant cases.
What is a good way to find a research topic?
- Reviewing literature to identify a research gap. ...
- Reflecting on our experiences. ...
- Considering personal interests. ...
- Using existing theories or research. ...
- Examining current affairs. ...
- Using focus groups.
Where can I find law review articles?
Law review, or law journal, articles can be found in multiple places, including online databases and print copies within the Law Library's collection. The main online databases useful for locating law review articles are Westlaw, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline.
What does a law journal include?
A law review or law journal is a scholarly journal or publication that focuses on legal issues. A law review is a type of legal periodical. Law reviews are a source of research, imbedded with analyzed and referenced legal topics; they also provide a scholarly analysis of emerging legal concepts from various topics.
What is the best way to find a journal article on a given topic?
Using journal or article databases
Libraries subscribe to databases that provide access to thousands or millions of articles published in journals. You can search these by subject, keywords, author, or by citation if you already have this information.
How do you write a good law paper?
- Introduction (clear statement of your thesis)
- Background information (what is the existing law, if any)
- The problem (explain why the status quo doesn't work)
- Recommendation for change (what can be done to improve the field and how)
- Conclusion (tie back to your thesis)
How hard is it to publish in a law review?
Publishing Law Review Articles
It can be a lengthy and frustrating process because the competition to publish is very stiff, but if you feel that you have a unique piece that adds to the dialogue of the discipline, it may be worth your time to submit your work to other legal publishers.
How long does it take to write a law journal article?
250-500 Hours.
Do you get paid for law review articles?
Yet in most journals, this labor is not paid at all; in a select few, students receive meager stipends.
How do I choose my topic?
- Brainstorm for ideas.
- Choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the articles and books you find.
- Ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available.
- Make a list of key words.
- Be flexible.
What are the 10 examples of research titles for students?
- The impact of AI on artistic creation.
- The use of virtual reality and augmented reality in storytelling.
- The role of art in addressing social and environmental challenges.
- The use of art as a tool for social commentary and activism.
How do I find my topic?
- Talk to a friend to get ideas. ...
- Brainstorm - think about or write down what you know about the topic. ...
- Use these questions: ...
- Turn your topic into a question. ...
- Make sure to pick a topic that will have enough information available.
What not to do in a journal?
Avoid negative self-talk: While it's important to acknowledge your mistakes and challenges, don't use your journal to berate yourself. Focus on constructive reflection. Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend.
What is the hearsay rule?
California's "hearsay rule," defined under Evidence Code 1200, is a law that states that third-party hearsay cannot be used as evidence in a trial. This rule is based on the principle that hearsay is often unreliable and cannot be cross-examined.
Can you sue someone for reading your journal?
Personal Diaries Generally
Generally, if embarrassing private facts are disclosed publicly, you may be able to take legal action against the person who disclosed your private writings, facts, or thoughts.