Knowing when to stop researching can be the very hardest part of any research assignment! It is important to check-in throughout your research and access whether it is time to conclude.
Remember, sometimes in law the answer is that there is no answer! There are areas of law which will have no relevant authority. Below are questions you can ask yourself to determine what--if anything--there might be left to do before wrapping up a research project. These questions can help you confidently distinguish between "there is no answer" and "I can't find one."
STOP WHEN YOU ARE CONFIDENT YOU HAVE DONE A THOROUGH JOB
- Have you followed all the leads from secondary sources?
- Have you found all the mandatory, primary authorities?
- Have you fully updated and validated the sources you used?
- Did you move through all the steps laid out in your research plan?
If you feel confident you have done a thorough job then it may be time to stop. Double-check your thoroughness by comparing what you have done to your research plan.
STOP WHEN YOUR EFFORTS ARE PRODUCING NO NEW RESULTS
- Do all your resources lead back to each other?
- Do all your searches retrieve the same cases, statutes, regulations?
When you are finding good sources that are on point and answering your question, but stop producing new results no matter what tool you use or how you tweak your search--it is time to stop.
STOP WHEN YOU CAN ANSWER THE QUESTION(S) YOU SET OUT TO ANSWER
- Do you have a good understanding of the authorities on both sides of the issue(s)?
- Can you answer the legal question you sought to answer?
- Can you create the deliverable expected of you?
There may be a seemingly unending number of sources on your topic. If you have your mandatory authorities and can answer the question you have been asked in the format required, it is all right to stop.
STOP WHEN YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF TIME OR MONEY
- Have you gone over or are you nearing the project money limitations?
- Are you spending more time or money than the project is worth?
- Are you pushing against a deadline?
- Have you left yourself time to organize your research into something useable?
What if you are out of time/money and you are still not finished? Communicate with the assigning partner or client for whom you are doing the work. Tell them / ask them: (1) This is what I have done, (2) This is what needs to be done, and (3) Whether I should continue my research.