Searching and understanding.
WHERE IT HELPS
Explaining an unfamiliar area Suggesting search terms and avenues Summarising authorities you obtained Structuring an argument
WHERE IT DOES NOT
Finding authority Stating the law Citing anything
THE APPROACH THAT WORKS
Research in proper databases Obtain the authorities Give the model the authorities and ask about them
"Here are three judgments. How do they differ on [point]?"
That grounds the analysis in real material.
WHAT NOT TO ASK
"What is the law on X?"
You will receive a plausible statement that may be wrong, outdated, or from the wrong jurisdiction.
THE JURISDICTION PROBLEM
Models trained predominantly on material from other jurisdictions will answer from that material.
For Nigerian law specifically, be particularly cautious. Coverage is limited and errors are likely.
WHAT TO VERIFY
Everything. Every proposition, against a primary source you read.
THE USEFUL APPLICATION
Getting oriented in an unfamiliar area before researching properly.
