This guide provides an overview of Primary Sources, the three branches of government at the Federal and State (California) levels. It also includes information about locating Secondary Sources of law. Although it may seem non-intuitive, often the best way to research legal issues is to start with a secondary source (e.g., a law review article or book) and then use the information found in that source to find primary sources of law (e.g., statutes, cases, and regulations). In addition, The Basics lists questions to ask yourself when beginning to research a topic and information on jurisdictions.