Planning Your Search Strategy

Before you start searching for information, take some time to think about the legal situation or scenario and plan your search strategy. Consider the following questions:

• what is it that you wish to find (journal articles, commentary, law reform material)
• which resources will you need to search
• are there applicable search parameters (time period or jurisdiction)
• what search terms will you need to use (keywords, phrases and synonyms)

As part of planning your research strategy, you will need to think of keywords and phrases that will help you find relevant information. Remember, you are researching the legal issues not the facts of the scenario, so select keywords and phrases that are are relevant to the legal issues of the case. Also consider likely synonyms that might be used.

Task: Try it yourself!

Download our search strategy planner to help properly map out your search: Download (221.35 KB).