Secondary Sources – What are Secondary Sources?
Materials written by experts that summarize, discuss, explain, interpret and sometimes critique case law and legislation are found in:
- textbooks;
- treatises;
- legal encyclopedias;
- legal dictionaries and books of words and phrases;
- periodicals and journal articles;
- case digests and commentary;
- government documents; and,
- annotated codes or acts.
Often referred to as legal commentary, you will find that secondary sources are vital preliminary tools designed to help you:
- understand the law;
- locate key cases and statutes; and,
- frame legal issues.
Remember, only case law and legislation are primary sources of law!
- Unlike primary sources, secondary sources are never cited as binding authority.
- Instead, you use them alongside primary sources to add support and credibility to your arguments.