Legal Definitions - practice guide

Practice Guide

A practice guide is a specialized resource, often in the form of a manual or handbook, that offers detailed, step-by-step instructions and practical advice for legal professionals. Its purpose is to explain how to navigate specific legal procedures, handle particular types of cases, or comply with unique requirements within a defined area of law, a particular court system, or a specific geographic jurisdiction.

Here are some examples:

• Imagine a newly qualified attorney who needs to file a lawsuit in a specific state's civil court. They might consult a "State Civil Procedure Practice Guide." This guide would walk them through everything from drafting the initial complaint and serving the defendant, to discovery procedures and preparing for trial, all tailored to that state's unique rules. This illustrates a practice guide providing instructions for a particular area of law (civil procedure) and a specific locality (the state).

• A lawyer specializing in environmental law might use a "Federal Environmental Litigation Practice Guide." This resource would detail the specific requirements for filing cases related to environmental regulations in federal courts, including deadlines for submitting expert reports, procedures for challenging agency decisions, and navigating complex federal statutes. This example demonstrates a practice guide focused on a particular area of law (environmental litigation) and a specific court system (federal courts).

• Consider a legal aid organization assisting tenants with eviction defense in a large city. Their attorneys would heavily rely on a "City Housing Court Practice Guide." This guide would outline the specific forms required by the local housing court, explain the unique mediation programs available in that city, and detail the local ordinances that protect tenants' rights. This shows a practice guide providing guidance for a particular court (the city's housing court) and a specific locality (the city itself).