Guidelines for Evaluating Sources:
A Law Student’s Guide
Rule #1: Consider the Source
Always evaluate the source of your information. Remember Weekly World News? It was a tabloid famous for outlandish stories about aliens, Sasquatch, and celebrity conspiracies. While it was clearly not a reliable source, imagine if it had been designed to look like a credible publication like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal. The takeaway? Don’t judge a publication by its appearance. Investigate its background: how long has it been around? Who are the editors and publishers? A quick look at the publication’s Wikipedia page or the masthead can often provide insight.
Rule #2: Check the Author
Assess the author’s credentials. Are they an expert in the subject matter, or are they an anonymous blogger, political operative, or student? For law review articles, this is especially critical. Is the author a law professor, attorney, or student? What law school are they affiliated with? Is this their area of expertise? Look for an official biography on their law school or firm’s website. If no credible background information is available, consider it a red flag.
Rule #3: Check the Date
Information evolves, and newer data is often more accurate. Consider the famous 1948 presidential election when the Chicago Tribune prematurely declared Dewey the winner over Truman. Over time, more accurate information became available, proving the headline wrong. Whether you’re evaluating election results, legal precedents, or scientific data, always check the date to ensure you’re relying on the most current and accurate information.
Rule #4: Check Your Biases
Be mindful of your own biases. People tend to overvalue information that aligns with their views and dismiss information that challenges them. To get a balanced perspective, seek out sources with differing viewpoints and critically evaluate all information, regardless of its alignment with your beliefs.
Rule #5: Read Beyond
Sensational headlines can be misleading, especially in today’s click-driven media landscape. Always read the full article to see if the claims in the headline are substantiated by the content. Don’t rely on a title alone to form your opinion.
Rule #6: Check Supporting Sources
While reading, examine the sources cited by the author. Are those sources reliable? Do they support the author’s claims effectively? Reliable sources often cite other credible works, so dig into the citations to verify the information.
Rule #7: Watch Out for Satire
Sometimes satirical or joke stories are mistaken for real news. For example, rumors about Reese’s being discontinued originated from a satirical site but gained traction because of similar true stories, like the temporary discontinuation of Twinkies. Always verify the legitimacy of sensational claims before believing or sharing them.
Rule #8: Ask the Experts
When in doubt, consult an expert. Law librarians, for example, are trained to help you evaluate the reliability of your sources and have advanced degrees in information science. Don’t hesitate to ask for our guidance—we're there to help you succeed.
By following these rules, you’ll develop the critical skills necessary to evaluate sources effectively, a crucial ability for any aspiring legal professional.
