How can a legal researcher be certain that a case that seems to be on point is still current and valid?

Answer by  patti (29325)

A legal researcher must be familiar with the various resources used in research of these matters. He must know which resources can verify or offer corrections, updates and addenda to previous cases. There is no fail-proof automated system; that's why human hands are involved in the research: to pursue all avenues of information to a logical conclusion.

Answer by  palaeologus (564)

Use Lexis, WESTLAW, or (if in a law library) Shepard's Citations. If a case has been overruled, both online services will note that in the case history (using a red flag, for example). Shepard's does this in print form by placing an "o" next to citations that are overruled.