I have to locate information about racially motivated events and/or crimes that occurred between 1980 - 2000, that resulted in changes in the law or school policies. Where do I start? Please help!!
To start your research on racially motivated events and crimes that resulted in changes in law or school policies between 1980 and 2000, follow these steps:
1. Begin with online databases: Access reputable databases that specialize in news archives, legal records, or scholarly articles. Some popular options include JSTOR, ProQuest, LexisNexis, and Google Scholar. These databases contain a wealth of information that can help you find relevant cases and articles related to your topic.
2. Refine your search terms: To get more accurate and targeted results, use specific search terms. Include keywords like "racially motivated crimes," "legal changes," "school policies," and variations to encompass different forms of discrimination or hate crimes. Also, include specific years or date ranges between 1980 and 2000 to narrow down your search.
3. Consult legal resources: Law journals, legal databases, and court records can offer valuable insights into the legal changes that occurred as a result of racially motivated events. Look for court cases, legal precedents, or legislative actions that address the issue you are researching. Legal research platforms like Westlaw or HeinOnline can be helpful in finding relevant legal materials.
4. Explore news archives: Newspaper archives can provide key information about racially motivated events, their impact, and subsequent policy changes. Online platforms such as Newspapers.com, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, or Google News Archive can help you access articles from specific time periods during the 1980-2000 timeframe.
5. Check academic sources: Scholarly articles, research papers, and books often analyze historical events and their legal consequences. Search academic databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar, using keywords related to your topic. Reading these sources can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the events and their impact on law or school policies.
6. Visit local libraries or archives: Local libraries or archives may have records, oral histories, newspaper collections, and other resources specific to your area or region. Consult librarians or archivists who can guide you to relevant documents or primary sources related to racially motivated events during the specified time period.
7. Look for government reports or inquiries: Government agencies or commissions might have issued reports or conducted inquiries into racially motivated events during this period. Check the websites of relevant government departments, such as the Department of Justice or Civil Rights Division, to see if they have published reports or findings related to your research topic.
Remember to critically evaluate the sources you find, checking for credibility, accuracy, and relevance. As you gather information, keep track of your sources to properly cite them in your final work. Good luck with your research!