Use this at the start of any significant research task (including module assessments and the capstone project). It is designed to prevent unfocused searching and to capture your initial thinking in a structured way.

A. Basic Information

·        Working title / topic:

·        Date:

·        Your name:

B. Problem Definition

1.     Briefly describe the legal problem or issue (2–4 sentences):

2.     What is the central legal question you are trying to answer?
(Formulate as a question, e.g. “To what extent…?”, “Is… compatible with…?”, “How should… be interpreted?”)

3.     Are there any sub‑questions?

·        (i)

·        (ii)

·        (iii)

C. Jurisdiction and Scope

1.     Primary jurisdiction(s):

2.     Relevant time period (e.g. post‑2010 case law, current legislation only, historical analysis from 19XX):

3.     Any relevant international or regional instruments or bodies (e.g. ECHR, CJEU, African Court):

D. Key Concepts and Keywords

List the main legal concepts and potential search terms, including synonyms:

·        Concept 1:

·        Keywords / phrases:

·        Concept 2:

·        Keywords / phrases:

·        Concept 3:

·        Keywords / phrases:

E. Anticipated Sources

1.     Primary sources (statutes, cases, treaties):

·        Likely statutes / codes:

·        Likely leading cases:

·        Relevant treaties or international instruments:

2.     Secondary sources:

·        Textbooks and monographs:

·        Journal articles:

·        Law reform reports / NGO reports / policy papers:

F. Databases and Platforms

List which tools you will use and for what purpose:

·        Subscription databases (e.g. Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline):

·        Open‑access resources (e.g. BAILII, legislation.gov.uk, court websites):

·        Other (e.g. institutional repositories, NGO archives):

G. Search Strategy (Initial)

1.     First searches to run (with indicative search strings):

·        Search 1:

·        Search 2:

·        Search 3:

2.     Filters to apply (court level, date range, jurisdiction, document type):

3.     Criteria for relevance (what makes a source worth keeping?):

H. Timetable

Indicate how you will allocate your available time:

·        Preliminary reading (background, textbooks/overviews):

·        Detailed case and legislation research:

·        Secondary literature and policy materials:

·        Planning and outlining written work:

·        Drafting and revising:

I. Notes / Risks / Questions

·        Potential difficulties (e.g. limited foreign language skills, access issues):

Specific questions for your tutor/supervisor: