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of the technological age. Using a system of computer-
ized research can be costly to the user if the right system
is not chosen. Even though automated systems are
time-savers, a user must be aware of alternatives. The
following paragraphs provide you with a brief overview
of automated systems. Whether or not your command
uses an automated system depends on the attorneys and
budget limitations.
Federal Legal Information Through
Electronics
Federal Legal Information Through Electronics
(FLITE) is an automated legal research system estab-
lished by the Department of Defense and operated by
the Department of the Air Force for use by all federal
agencies. FLITE is the best bargain of all the existing
systems since its services are available at no cost to
judge advocates. FLITE uses computer technology to
help federal employees and military members obtain
more accurate and comprehensive legal research, sav-
ing time and effort. FLITE performs the following
services:
l
l
l
l
Creates and maintains full-text data bases of
legal information
Provides computer-assisted research to all fed-
eral agencies
Produces and distributes computer-generated re-
search tools such as indexes, digests, and cita-
tions
Provides advisory service to federal, state, and
local governments relating to automated legal
research systems
FLITE does not give legal opinions or supply legal
memorandums. Its role is to provide cases, decisions,
statutes, regulations, and other legal references that are
relevant to the user’s problems.
Other Available Systems
In addition to FLITE, several other automated re-
search systems are available to the legal profession.
However, unlike FLITE, they do not fit into the realm
of a tight budget. Other available systems such as
WESTLAW, LEXIS, and JURIS require a significant
cash outlay for installation and continuing expenditures
for usage and equipment rental. As a senior LN, you
might be tasked with a budget input for your command
regarding the use of automated research systems. If so,
the cost factor may be the deterrent that prevents your
command from using services other than FLITE. How-
ever, FLITE research attorneys have access to WEST-
LAW, LEXIS, and JURIS as well as other existing
systems. Although automated research systems are the
coming event in the legal profession, it may be a while
before they are the primary research systems in the
Navy.
SUMMARY
As you can see, the maintenance of a law library is
an important part of your duties as an LN. Your famili-
arity with the maintenance and upkeep procedures of
the law library will help you as a future LN1 or LNC to
become more involved in the actual performance of
legal research and the preparation of legal writings.
Although attorneys are better trained to conduct effec-
tive legal research, senior LNs are increasingly being
tasked to aid those attorneys in this area. This chapter
has described how to carry out legal research by using
primary and secondary sources and by citing sources.
With a working knowledge of how to use finding tools,
you will become an effective paralegal conducting legal
research.
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