What is legal research primarily concerned with?

Legal research is primarily concerned with determining how the law applies to a problem. This process involves analyzing statutes, case law, and other legal sources to understand the relevant legal principles and how they can be applied to specific facts or situations. Legal professionals engage in this research to provide accurate advice, develop legal arguments, and identify potential outcomes in legal disputes.

While establishing factual evidence in court, creating new statutes and ordinances, and conducting criminal background checks are important aspects of the legal field, they do not directly address the primary focus of legal research. The core function of legal research is to interpret and apply existing laws to varied legal issues, which is essential for effective legal practice. Understanding this application helps practitioners navigate complex legal scenarios and provide informed counsel to their clients.