Research Standards
Research Standards
These standards govern every engagement undertaken by First Precedent. They are published because the absence of public standards in the legal research market is a structural problem, not a feature. Clients are entitled to know what they are paying for; the profession is entitled to know what is being held out as research.
I. Citation Conventions
All citations follow Indian citation practice. Reported cases are cited in the SCC, AIR, or Manupatra format as appropriate, with neutral citations included where available. Statutes are cited by short title, year, and section. Constitutional provisions are cited by Article. Where Bluebook adaptations are required (academic and policy work), the 21st edition convention is used with Indian-jurisdiction modifications.
II. Verification Protocol
Every cited authority undergoes the following verification at the point of delivery:
- Confirmation that the citation is accurate against the primary database.
- Review of subsequent treatment, including any reversal, distinction, or limitation by a later bench.
- Review of any legislative amendment affecting the standing of the authority.
- Confirmation that the cited proposition is in fact supported by the cited paragraph of the judgment.
III. Definition of Current Law
"Current law" at First Precedent means: the law as stated by the highest authoritative pronouncement that has not been overruled, distinguished into narrow application, or superseded by legislation, as of the date of delivery. Where ambiguity exists — for instance, where a Division Bench decision is in tension with a Single Bench decision of the same court — the ambiguity is presented; it is not resolved by selective omission.
IV. What We Will Not Do
- We will not undertake research that begins from a predetermined conclusion.
- We will not omit conflicting authority because it is unhelpful to a client's position.
- We will not rely on secondary sources where primary sources are accessible.
- We will not provide legal advice.
- We will not represent in any forum.