Starting my caselaw and statute research. How do I interpret the annotations in the NC General Statutes? Thanks.
Also, when are legal briefs necessary? Do they only go with motions?
Annotations of cases in a current version of a statute book are “good” caselaw. The annotations can be very helpful when starting to research a certain topic. They highlight particular cases that explain the statutes further, and sometimes address the very issue you are researching. If you see an annotation that is helpful, pulling up the entire opinion from that annotation will allow you to research in more detail.
Briefs are filed in conjunction with motions or before a trial or appellate hearing. Briefs are typically not used in family law cases at the trial court level.
Anna Ayscue
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest
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