Legal methodology as nursing problem solving

This article presents legal methodology as a form of nursing research. The four elements of the legal methodology are examined. The sources of legal authority are explained and the essential components of one case, Sermchief v Gonzales are presented in detail as an illustration of the legal methodology. In addition to the elements of the methodology, the methodological tools for the process are described. The computer and manual searching strategies are identified. Finally, the citation system which serves as an integral portion of the methodological process is discussed.