Any law students here? Because, some law dictionaries are big and bulky. "Law Dictionary" by Steven H. Gifis is short and to the point. He doesn't just repeat what the Constitution says, he cites precedent, example and how the right or law has been reinterpreted. Plus he uses the six-number volume, page number and year method of citing Supreme Court cases, so you can look it up yourself. It's so easy anyone can understand it. And he seems to cover just about every legal topic. Some law dictionaries are big and bulky and waste too much space. Gifis' "Law Dictionary" has much more information. And easily fits in your pocket.
The Law Dictionary by Steven H. Gifis is a useful reference tool but is not a source of actual law or legal authority. Here’s a breakdown of how it compares to actual legal publications and whether it can be cited: 1. The Nature of Gifis's Law Dictionary It is a secondary source, meaning it explains and summarizes legal concepts rather than creating or interpreting law. The dictionary provides definitions of legal terms and concepts in plain language, designed to help laypersons, students, and professionals understand legal jargon. 2. Actual Legal Publications Primary Sources: Include constitutions, statutes, regulations, and case law. These are the binding laws and rules that courts, lawyers, and individuals must follow. Authoritative Secondary Sources: Examples: Restatements of the Law, American Jurisprudence (AmJur), and Corpus Juris Secundum (CJS). These are more detailed and are sometimes cited in legal arguments or court opinions because they provide thorough analysis and interpretation of the law. 3. Can You Cite Law from the Law Dictionary? No, Not as Legal Authority: Definitions or explanations in the Law Dictionary by Steven Gifis are not legally binding or authoritative. Courts and legal professionals do not treat it as a source of law. It can serve as a supplemental reference to clarify a term or concept, but it would not carry the same weight as statutes, case law, or even more authoritative secondary sources. Appropriate Use: You might use it to support an understanding of a term in informal discussions, legal studies, or as a quick guide. It should not be cited as the basis for legal arguments in court or formal legal documents. 4. Why Use Actual Legal Publications? Actual legal publications provide direct citations to laws, precedents, and statutes that are enforceable and authoritative. Courts rely on primary sources and authoritative interpretations, not generalized summaries like those in a law dictionary. Conclusion The Law Dictionary by Steven H. Gifis is helpful for understanding legal terms and concepts but cannot be cited as actual law. For legal arguments or authoritative citations, you must rely on primary legal sources or authoritative secondary sources. If you reference the dictionary, it should be as a supplemental tool, not a definitive source.
