Legal Research Prompts

Research [legal issue] under [jurisdiction] law. Identify the leading cases, the current standard or test applied by courts, and any recent developments or circuit splits.

Provide a comprehensive summary of [case name]. Include: (1) key facts, (2) procedural history, (3) issues presented, (4) the court's holding and reasoning, (5) any concurring or dissenting opinions, and (6) its subsequent treatment by other courts.

Analyze how [case A] can be distinguished from [case B]. Identify factual and legal differences, explain why the holding in one case should not control the other, and suggest arguments for both distinguishing and analogizing.

Explain how courts have interpreted [statute/provision]. Include the plain meaning, any legislative history, and how different jurisdictions have applied it.

Outline the regulatory framework for [subject matter] under [agency/jurisdiction]. Include: (1) enabling statutes, (2) key regulations, (3) agency guidance documents, (4) enforcement priorities, and (5) recent rulemaking activity.

Research the legislative history of [statute]. Identify: (1) the bill's sponsors and stated purposes, (2) key committee reports, (3) floor debates, (4) amendments during passage, and (5) any statements of intent from legislators.

Create an outline for a legal memorandum analyzing [issue]. Include: (1) statement of the question, (2) brief answer, (3) relevant facts to discuss, (4) legal framework, (5) analysis sections, and (6) conclusion. Identify what additional research would strengthen the analysis.

Compare how [legal issue] is treated across [jurisdictions]. Create a comparison table showing: (1) applicable standards, (2) key cases, (3) statutory provisions, (4) practical differences, and (5) trends in the law.

Identify the applicable standard of review for [type of issue/decision] on appeal in [jurisdiction]. Explain: (1) the standard and what it requires, (2) how it differs from other standards, (3) key cases applying the standard, and (4) practical implications for the appeal.

Research the standards for admissibility of [type of] expert testimony in [jurisdiction]. Include: (1) the applicable test (Daubert/Frye/other), (2) factors courts consider, (3) recent cases excluding or admitting similar testimony, and (4) procedural requirements.

Analyze the choice of law issues for [type of claim] involving parties/conduct in [jurisdictions]. Identify: (1) the forum's choice of law rules, (2) connecting factors, (3) which jurisdiction's law likely applies, and (4) how different laws would affect the outcome.