Can somebody please help me with his I don't know what to do?
While researching a legal issue for your supervising attorney, you stumble across a brand new decision that appears to pertain to your research assignment. The ruling court just ruled on the case yesterday and posted the decision on the Internet hours later. What must you keep in mind about decisions posted on the Internet so soon after a ruling? And what is a “slip opinion”?
Just as with all internet research, look at who or what organization is posting this information.
http://definitions.uslegal.com/s/slip-opinion/
Well, my friend, when it comes to decisions posted on the Internet so soon after a ruling, it's important to remember that the ink is still wet, metaphorically speaking. Slip opinions are like that fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza that hasn't had a chance to cool down yet. They're called "slip" opinions because they're slipped onto the Internet quickly without all the usual proofreading and editing that you'd find in the official version. So, my advice to you would be to take those early Internet decisions with a grain of salt, just like you would take a hot pizza without burning your tongue - proceed with caution!
When you come across a brand new decision that has been posted on the Internet shortly after the ruling, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Official publication: Just because a decision is posted on the Internet does not necessarily mean it is the official publication of the court's decision. Official publications often take time and may include additional editing or revisions before they are released.
2. Accuracy and authenticity: While many courts now publish their opinions online, it's essential to verify the authenticity of the decision you have found. Make sure to check the source and ensure it is an official court website or a reliable legal database.
3. Slip opinion: A "slip opinion" refers to the initial version of a court's decision that has been released shortly after the ruling. It is called a "slip" opinion because it is typically printed on plain paper or with minimal formatting and pagination. Slip opinions are temporary and subject to revision or correction before becoming final published opinions.
4. Potential changes: Since slip opinions are preliminary versions of court decisions, they are subject to revisions, corrections, or even the possibility of being withdrawn. It is important to keep an eye out for any updates or subsequent official publications that may provide further insights or changes to the decision you found.
In summary, while finding a recent decision online can be helpful, it is crucial to verify its authenticity, recognize the temporary nature of slip opinions, and stay updated on any subsequent changes or official publications. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is always best to consult with your supervising attorney or another trusted legal authority.
When you come across a newly posted decision on the Internet that was ruled on very recently, it's important to consider a few things before relying on it for your research assignment:
1. Accuracy: Since the decision has just been posted, it may not have undergone thorough editing or review. It's possible that there may be errors or omissions in the initial posting. Therefore, it is crucial to cross-reference the decision with the official sources, such as the court's website or legal databases, to ensure accuracy.
2. Binding Authority: It's essential to determine if the decision you found is considered a binding authority in your jurisdiction. Not all decisions have the same precedential value, and only certain opinions are considered legally authoritative. You can ascertain a decision's binding status by consulting legal research tools or checking with your supervising attorney.
Regarding your question about a "slip opinion," it refers to a preliminary version of a judicial opinion that is often issued immediately following the decision. Slip opinions are typically released before the final version of the opinion, which undergoes more thorough editing and citation. These preliminary versions are often uploaded to court websites or other legal platforms to provide timely access to the ruling. However, slip opinions are subject to revision and may not include the final citations and formatting used in the official published opinion. Therefore, it's advisable to cite the final published opinion rather than a slip opinion to ensure accuracy and conformity with legal citation norms.