1. Open your research workspace
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Before starting, define the issue you need to resolve. A useful first question identifies the jurisdiction, the legal subject and any date or factual distinction that may affect the answer.
2. Choose a starting point
You can approach research in three ways:
- A plain-language question. Describe the issue as you would to a colleague.
- A known authority. Start with a case name, citation, statute or section when you already know what you need.
- An unfamiliar area. Ask for a starting framework, then narrow the enquiry as you read.
Keep unnecessary personal or confidential details out of an initial question. Consult the relevant service policies before submitting sensitive material.
EXAMPLE RESEARCH QUESTION
Give your first question a clear focus.
Which sources should I review when researching a landlord’s liability for injuries on leased premises in Sri Lanka?
This is an illustrative prompt, not legal advice or a promised result. After asking, look for three things: relevant sources, the passages supporting the answer and issues that still need investigation.
3. Review the answer and its support
Treat a response as a route into the material. Examine the direct answer, the cited authorities and any qualifications or gaps. Follow links to source text where available, and obtain the underlying document when a link is absent.
Check that the cited passage supports the proposition attributed to it. Note the court, date, legal framework and whether the material is primary authority or commentary. A fluent summary and a correctly formatted citation are starting points for review.
4. Refine the enquiry
Research often changes direction. A judgment may introduce another provision, reveal a factual distinction or show that a different legal framework needs attention.
Use what you have read to ask a narrower question, investigate related authorities or examine a competing interpretation. If an answer lacks a source on the precise issue, record the gap and continue the research. Do not assume that an absent result means no authority exists.
5. Verify, then apply your judgment
Before relying on the work, check source accuracy, relevant amendments, later treatment and the date of the law applicable to your matter. Keep a record of the authorities and passages that support your conclusion.
Lex provides research assistance. It does not know every circumstance of your client’s matter or determine your advice, strategy or likely court outcome. Those decisions require professional judgment. Read Responsible use for a practical review checklist, or explore The archive to understand the source categories.