It provides a framework and a checklist to guide basic legal research. As a general rule, try to use Canadian sources first. In any event, note the jurisdictions covered by the secondary source you are using and remember that, although persuasive, it may not be an accurate reflection of the law in your jurisdiction. Currency in legal research is fundamental. Note the date of the source you are consulting and update the law since that date.
Many secondary sources have current supplements to facilitate finding the latest information.
Remember to update beyond the secondary sources to find the most recent statutory amendments and the very latest cases. Full text case law databases are the most current sources. The legal research process is not an orderly process. Exactly which sources are consulted and in what order depends on the researcher's knowledge of the subject area, and the particular area of law covered by the fact situation. These integrate legislation, full text case law, and secondary source commentary in one searchable product.