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Introduction to Online Legal Research  (Westlaw and Lexis)
Professors Healey, Callister, Johnson, Williams & Ribstein & Ms. Denslaw


Hints Page:  Group Terms & Connectors Problem

 
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Using /n, &, or, "", ( ), !, a search expression is constructed.  Click here to get a better view of the search expression which was actually formulated. 

In this instance, I have decided that key terms include the statute (which I have formulated as "11 U.S.C. /3 522" to pick up instances of "section 522 of 11 U.S.C."  as well as "11 U.S.C. 522) and "profit sharing plan" (which is a term of art).  From the problem, I deduce that a key issue is whether  the plan was sponsored by a single shareholder.  Consequently, I use the "or" command to pick up synonyms (of "single shareholder") as well as several groupings of parentheticals to control the order of operation.  In addition, I use a universal extender to pick up plurals (although technically both Lexis and Westlaw will automatically search for plurals).  Finally, I make sure to restrict the dates of the search to after 1989.  In Westlaw, remember to access date restrictions in the "Field Restrictions" link highlighted below. 

Enter the query in the "Query" field.  You can use the "Date" link below the query box to help formulate a date restriciton.

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