ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the doctrinal methodology which many lawyers consider best typifies a distinctly legal approach to research. Legal research skills have been identified as a core skill for lawyers, and within the profession, such skills are regarded as synonymous with the doctrinal research method. It commences with an examination of the history and basis of the doctrinal research methodology, what it is, who uses doctrinal research and for what purpose, followed by a consideration of the criticisms of this research method. The principal examples of doctrinal research on the jury chosen for discussion are the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) Report and Discussion Paper on jury selection. Doctrinal research lies at the heart of any lawyer's task because it is the research process used to identify, analyse and synthesise the content of the law. Many examples of doctrinal research on the jury system are available in the legal literature.
