Which of the following is a common example of a secondary source used in legal research?

• A. Statute
• B. Restatement of the Law
• C. Constitution
• D. Judicial decision

Answer: (B)

The main concept is the difference between primary and secondary sources in legal research. A Restatement of the Law is a classic secondary source because it collects, explains, and synthesizes general legal principles from various jurisdictions to help researchers understand how the law is commonly understood and applied. It guides interpretation and analysis but does not itself create binding law. In contrast, statutes, constitutions, and judicial decisions are primary sources: they establish, authorize, or interpret the law and are binding authorities. Therefore, the Restatement of the Law stands out as the typical secondary source used in legal research.