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Indigenous Studies

Treaties

Cases/Law Digests - Relevant to Aboriginal Law

About Primary Legal Research Sources

  • Primary sources of law are the laws and regulations themselves. These include: constitutions, statutes/acts and their amendments, regulations, legal cases and judicial decisions.
     
  • There are many sources of law/regulations at various political levels and in various locations/areas. This is called jurisdiction.
     
  • When consulting primary legal sources it's important to be clear on the jurisdiction of interest. Consider whether the legislation is at the federal, provincial or municipal level.
     
  • Be aware that law changes over time through amendments and new case law. Make sure the resource you are consulting is appropriate to the point in time you are researching.