MXPA00011687A - Data processing system and method for organizing, analyzing, recording, storing and reporting research results - Google Patents

Abstract

A data processing method for organizing, analyzing, recording, storing, and reporting research results, comprising the steps of:inputting user identification data (100), inputting information related to a plurality of research projects (300), inputting information related to a plurality of propositions (400), inputting information on a plurality of authorities (500), outputting a propositions report displaying the information associated with selected propositions (800), and outputting an authorities report displaying the information associated with selected authorities (900).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DATA PROCESSING FOR ORGANIZE, ANALYZE, REGISTER, STORE AND INFORM RESEARCH RESULTS • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Legal research has been greatly automated over the past decade due to advances in personal computer technology. There has been a significant increase in the number of research databases online and on CD-ROM and • web resources (W W W) available to help the legal researcher find authorities and other data linked to a research project. However, with all these developments there is still a need for efficient and uniform means to organize, analyze and store the amount of data that can be gathered together with a legal research project. This system and method of data processing, an application of programs and programming systems developed by an attorney practicing, covers this need. While online and CD-ROM research databases help the researcher to find the authorities and other data, the system and method of data processing helps the researcher to organize, analyze and store the data in a way that is useful for the researcher and for those who wish to review or use the data. data now or in the future.

Current technology does not provide adequate help to the legal researcher to organize, analyze and store legal research efficiently. In the usual research project, the researcher generates printed copies of notes, authorities, memoranda and other materials, and stores • said materials in a file. The researcher can also download data about authorities and others from online databases or CD-ROM, and store such data and other research materials in word processor documents. However, in any case, there is no uniform and integrated method to fully record the various proposals related to a project, the research paths, direction and ideas to the • what has been arrived at and what is still being sought, the authorities that have been located and reviewed and to whom it has to be located, the analysis of such authorities and other tasks that have been carried out and those that still have to be completed, and another type of information that is essential for an investigation legal effective. In case some method is used to record and organize such information, it typically varies from one researcher to another, and even between projects worked by the same researcher. If the notes on various topics and other research project data have been stored in different files or word processor documents, it can be difficult to locate the data and understand them, including assuming that materials have not been rescued from the files over time for other projects.

As a result of the above situation, the researcher, and any person who supervises, uses or relies on the researcher's work, can not be sure that the research and analysis of a particular project is complete, and may lose important points and authorities. Additionally, the above method for recording and organizing data does not allow the researcher and others to create a report created to provide data and analysis of the research at the touch of a button. In such a way that the data processing system and method of the present invention provides important new capabilities that are not found in the existing technology. The data processing system and method of the present application can be used to assist investigations in other fields, such as medicine and journalism. In this way, although the specification is directed in particular to the application in legal research, it should not be seen as limiting the claims for such application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A data processing system to organize, analyze, record, store and report results on an investigation that consists of: a computer that has a memory, a central processing unit, and an input / output unit, a first structure of data recorded in the memory, the first data structure encodes a number of projects, a second data structure recorded in the memory, the second data structure encodes a number of proposals, and a third data structure recorded in the memory, the third data structure encodes a number of authorities, and each of the proposals and • authorities associated with at least one of the projects, and a computer program that runs in the central processing unit, the computer program defines structural and functional relationships between projects, proposals and authorities, the computer program receives information about projects, proposals and authorities through an operator through the input / output unit, and the computer program organizes the • information and shows the relationship between projects, proposals, authorities and information to the operator through the input / output unit. A method of data processing to organize, analyze, record, store and report research results, comprises the steps of: entering user identification data, entering information in relation to a plurality of projects • Research, enter information related to a plurality of proposals, 20 associate each of the proposals with at least one of the research projects, enter information on a plurality of authorities, associate each of the authorities with at least one of said plurality of research projects, issue a proposal report that shows the information associated with the selected proposals, and • 5 issue a self-information information that shows the information associated with the selected authorities. A major purpose and utility of the data processing system and method is that it is designed for anyone who does legal research, or for someone who oversees or reviews the legal research of others. Potential users include lawyers, judges, law professors, employees of law firms, law students, knowledgeable staff and legal practice and legal librarians. Another objective and main utility of the system and method of data processing is that it is designed to be used in an area network local, as well as in a stand-alone computer so that the courts, law firms, corporate and governmental legal departments, ^ P universities, libraries and other organizations can keep and give their employees access to legal research indefinitely, electronically and in one place. 20 Through the system and method of data processing, an organization or a user can only avoid inefficient and expensive duplication over research in proposals that have been made in the past.

Additionally, with the passage of time, the system and method of data processing allows the organization or user to return, reconsider, work and improve research and analysis of a recurring proposal, particularly when faced with new contexts.

A based on real events. 5 The system and method of data processing helps the user to improve the quality of the results of the research project, including the analysis and reporting of said results. Typically, a research project involves various proposals that must be researched and analyzed. The researcher's task is to search widely ^ £? authorities in relation to each proposal, analyze each authority located to obtain useful information in relation to the proposal and develop additional ideas and find additional authorities based on such analysis. To be efficient, the researcher must record and organize all the information collected in a way that allows researchers keep informed about the routes that have been exhausted, the authorities that have been located and reviewed, the analysis of those authorities, the direction and ideas that have not been exploited, the tasks that remain incomplete and the creative ideas in relation to the project. research and its proposals. Being organized, methodically and meticulously, and registering If everything is done, the researcher is less likely to neglect important points and authorities, and is more likely to develop a complete and accurate analysis of a proposal. Additionally, the investigator's supervisor, or a person who uses or relied on research and analysis, can easily examine the organized data and be certain that the investigation and analysis are complete. The characteristics of the system and method of processing data will have the effect of better results of research and legal analysis 5 and greater creativity. It will help the courts and lawyers to develop a set of laws of greater consideration and improvement. The system and method of data processing helps the user to achieve the aforementioned prerequisites to achieve efficient legal research. For each investigated proposal, the user can create, edit and view K a record of each investigation made in each database or other resources, including a search in the data processing system and the method itself to obtain data linked in other projects previously entered by the user or others in the user's organization.

The user can create, edit and view a record of citations or other results obtained from the investigation, the condition of the review of the results and the authorities in relation to the proposal. P For each authority, the user can create, edit and view a record of similar or contrary proposals of the authority; the fundamental reason for the authority for such proposal; the important facts of the authority, the similar or contrary facts of the project, the persuasion factors of the authority, the important notes of the authority, and other important authorities cited by the authority, and other analyzes and data in relation to the authority.

Through the system and method of data processing, the user can also create, edit and view a log of ideas and prose in relation to the project or a particular proposal, and a record of the tasks of the ? completed projects and remnants, including the priority of each task and any proposal to which it refers. The user can also make the system and method of data processing automatically generate a uniform of all the aforementioned data, or a part of them, for one or more proposals or authorities, which can then be used to prepare a memorandum or other written product in relation to the research project. Another objective and advantage of the system and method of data processing is that it gives each user the ability to keep notes, ideas and other documents in a separate "user notebook". Another objective and advantage of the processing system and method of data is that it keeps the information updated on the last dates in which it was edited or looked for data of the project. This provides an audit trail ^ that the user can use to stay informed about the progress of the project. Another purpose and utility of the system and processing method of data is that it is preferably a program oriented by windows. The user can easily navigate the program and view, add, edit and delete data, through windows and buttons. A sidebar, which is always accessible, allows the user to open the main windows of the system and data processing method: the Project window, the Project Proposals window, the Authorities window, the Idea elements / Proposals window, the Tasks, Reports window, and the A user's notebook window. 5 Each of these windows contains a list with one entry highlighted at a time, and buttons that open data entry windows. The data entered or edited in these windows are linked to the highlighted entry in the main window, or a combination of entries highlighted in certain main windows. The feature enables the system and method faith of data processing to automatically organize and deploy all or part of the data in one or more projects, proposals or authorities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 Figure 1 is a block diagram of the structures of # data created by the data processing system. Figure 2 is a continuation of the block diagram of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a continuation of the block diagram of Figure 2. Figures 4A through 4E are flow diagrams of the data processing method.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a user identification window and password. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a project window. 5 Figure 7 is a schematic view of a window of Project proposals Figure 8 is a schematic view of a research scope window. Figure 9 is a schematic view of a Key ft) Numbers® window. Figure 10 is a schematic view of a word search description window. Figure 11 is a schematic view of a window of search results in the research database. Figure 12 is a schematic view of a window of Authorities linked to the project proposal. r Figure 13 is a schematic view of a window of Authorities. Figure 14 is a schematic view of a window of basic information about the authorities. Figure 15 is a schematic view of the Insta-Cite® Results window.

Figure 16 is a schematic view of an authorities analysis window. Figure 17 is a schematic view of a window of dfc persuasion factors of the authorities. Figure 18 is a schematic view of an authority use indicator window. Figure 19 is a schematic view of a window of the project proposals related to the authority. Figure 20 is a schematic view of a window of faith) ideas / prose. Figure 21 is a schematic view of a task window. Figure 22 is a schematic view of a menu window of the proposal report. Figure 23 is a schematic view of a menu window 15 of the authorities report. Figure 24 is a schematic view of a window of contents of the user's notebook. Figure 25 is a schematic view of a map window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The system and method of data processing to organize the investigation is illustrated in the attached block diagrams (figures 1, 2 and 3) which are explained in detail below. For purposes of this detailed description, the system and method of data processing will be known as the Legal Research Organizer or LRO. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that Figures 1, 2, and 3 also function as a graphic description of the data structures created by the system to carry out the described data processing. A flow diagram of the data processing method of the present invention is presented in the figures from 4A to 4E. It must be understood that the order of execution of these steps is not important, • with the exception that step 10 must be done before any die is entered. The actual windows of the main features of the system are shown in the figures. For reasons of economy, not all windows are shown. f ^ Step 100: Enter the user identification number and password LRO open with the User Identification Number window and password (figure 5). As a security measure, the user can only continue if LRO recognizes the combination of the user identification number and the password that was entered in said window. If the program recognizes the combination, LRO opens the Map window (figure 25). The user identification numbers and passwords are previously established by the computer or network administrator.

Step 200: Navigate through LRO Through the LRO Map window (Figure 25), the user can see a flow chart illustrating the main components of LRO. The Map window is a visual navigation tool that provides the user with a clear overview of the entire LRO program, allows the user to easily navigate through the program and allows the user to determine their location in the program at any time. The • LRO sidebar, which is always accessible, includes a button that opens the Map window. In addition to navigating through the Map window, the user can also navigate through LRO through the sidebar, which opens the main windows of LRO. 15 Step 300: Enter information regarding each project of legal research Through the LRO Project window (figure 6), the user can view, add and edit descriptions of research projects linked to the license number. LRO of the user or the network. Each description includes the project number (for example, "98-100532"), the name of the project, name and number of the client, name and number of the case, the name of the case and the file number of the court, the date of the last time the project description was edited, and each user that has entered or edited the project data. LRO automatically assigns a project number that can not be reused when a user adds To a project name, and record the date and user who made the last 5 edition. LRO makes a list of project descriptions in descending order, by project number. The user can see the complete list of projects linked to the user or network LRO license number, or a list limited by one or more of the following points: project number (s), user identification number (s) , a word search ? £) for the project description, and a word search for the proposal description. Only one project description is highlighted at a time. The user can move the selection bar and the list by typing the digits of a project number. a) Through the View / copy project data of 15 LRO window, the user can see all the data linked to the description of the project highlighted in the Projects window. LRO displays the data in the Proposal Report format (which is explained in step 800, in later paragraphs), indicating all the data in all the proposals related to the highlighted project. The complete report, or a part, can be pasted, 20 printed or copied to a floppy disk. b) Through the LRO project data transfer window, all data linked to the project description highlighted in the project window can be transferred to or from another LRO program on a computer external to the network (for example a laptop), using a flexible disk or modem. The transferred data is not in the Proposal Report format described above. Instead, the data is in a format that allows an LRO program The receiver automatically classifies the data in the relevant or new windows, in an existing or new project. The transfer procedures are designed to avoid any loss or change in the data while transferring. The LRO project data transfer feature allows the ability to transport and share data from ?) project research among the LRO licensees. In addition, the inventor of LRO anticipates that a market will emerge in search of discs containing updated and complete LRO data in particular proposals, which the buyer can then design and develop, using the program LRO, to adjust the requirements of a research project particular. c) Through the window View activities of LRO, the user ™ can see each main activity that has been done together in the project highlighted in the Projects window, the date of the activity and the user who made it. LRO automatically records the information when a main activity is performed. The View Activities feature allows the user to quickly see the main activities that have taken place in a project, or identify the person who can answer their questions or questions related to a particular activity. d) Through the window of Elimination of all the data of the LRO project, the user can delete all the data of the project description highlighted in the project window. The deleted data is stored in the LRO Recycle Bin for a previously defined period, (see step 2070, in later paragraphs). After deleting the data from the recycle bin, only the project description remains (with the word "- REMOVED" after the project number) in LRO.

Step 400: Enter information related to each proposal Through the Proposal window of the LRO project (figure 7), the user can see, add and edit descriptions of the proposals linked to the project highlighted in the Projects window.

Each description includes the proposal number, the proposal and the date of the last edition of the description. LRO automatically records the date of the last edition. LRO lists the descriptions in ascending order, by proposal number (assigned by the user). Only one proposal description is highlighted at a time. a) Through the View / copy data window of the LRO proposal, the user can see all the data linked to the description of the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window. LRO displays the data in the Proposal Report format (explained in step 800 below), indicating all the data in the highlighted proposal.

The entire report or part of it can be copied, pasted, printed or copied to a floppy disk. b) Through the window of Elimination of all the LRO proposal data, the user can delete all the data of the description • 5 of the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window. The deleted data is stored in the recycle bin for a previously defined period, (see step 2070, below).

Step 410: Enter the scope of research for each (? Ti) proposal In some cases the scope of the investigation should be limited in a particular proposal to reduce expenses or otherwise cover the requirements of a research project. of LRO helps the researcher to remain within the previously defined parameters of a research project, and inform others that research and analysis data ! they are limited to these parameters. Through the LRO research scope window (figure 8), the user can view, add and edit data that show the scope of the investigation in relation to the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window. The user can define the scope of the authorities to be investigated by date parameter, and by one or more of the following selected from a pre-established list: jurisdiction (s), applicable law selection (s), and authority type (s) . In case the user chooses, LRO notifies the user if the data entered exceeds the scope of the investigation of the proposal to which the data relates. • 5 Step 420: Enter Key Number® (key number) for each proposal The Key Number® system from West Publishing Corporation is a useful tool to find authorities linked to a proposal. Through the LRO Key Number® window (figure 9), the user can see,? add and edit Key Number® descriptions linked to the description of the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window. Each description includes the Key Number® subject / sub-topic compendium, the topic number and Key Number®, and the date on which a Key Number® search was last made. LRO lists the descriptions in 15 ascending order, by topic number and Key Number®. Only one description is highlighted at a time. a) Through the LRO Key Number® Search Results window, the user can view, add, edit and delete appointments and linked data that are obtained from an investigation under the Key Number® 20 highlighted in the Key Number window ®. After performing the word search through a book or database on CD-ROM or online, the user can enter, organize and analyze the results in LRO. The Key Number® Search Results window displays the jurisdictions investigated, a list of citations, and other linked data entered / edited by the user. Each citation is accompanied by data showing the condition of the review and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO orders the list of citations in alphabetical order. Only one citation is highlighted at a time. b) Through the Paste window / see list of citations of the Key Number® database, the user can paste a list of citations, downloaded from a research database from a CD-ROM or online, for the Key Number® highlighted in the Key Number® window. The user can then add one or more of said citations to the Key Number® Search Results window, along with the data that shows the condition of the user's review of each citation. The Appointment List window indicates the date on which each list was pasted in relation to Key Number®.

Step 430: Enter word search data for each proposal. Due to the increasing number of online databases and CD-ROMs and web sites with search engines, the search of authorities and other data through words, phrases and connectors has become a central component in research projects. Through the LRO Word Search window (figure 10), the user can view, add, edit, and delete word search descriptions related to the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window. Each description includes a description number, the word search (for example, "statutes and restrictions and corruption") and the date on which the description was last edited. LRO automatically records the last edit date. LRO lists the descriptions in ascending order, by description number. Only one description is highlighted at a time. Through the Results button, the user can view, add and edit the research results for words and phrases highlighted within an online research database or CD-ROM, the Legal Research Organizer; the user's word processor system, and the web sites (World Wide Web). a) Through the search results window in LRO research databases (figure 11), the user can view, add, edit and delete citations from the research databases and linked data obtained from the search words highlighted in the Word Search window. After performing the word search through an online research database or CD-ROM, the user can enter, organize and analyze the results in LRO. The Search Results window in the research database shows the research database and the investigated jurisdictions, a list of citations and other linked data that the user entered / edited. Each citation is accompanied by data that show the condition of your review (that is, if the citation has been reviewed and added to the list of authorities, and if not the reason), and the date on which it was last updated. the condition. LRO orders the list of citations alphabetically. Only one citation is highlighted at a time. b) Through the Paste window / see list of citations of the LRO research database, the user can paste a list of citations, downloaded from the online research database or CD-ROM, for the search of the word highlighted in the window Word search. The user can then add one or more of these citations to the Search Results window in the research database, along with the data that shows the condition of the user's review of each appointment. The Appointment List window indicates the date on which each list was pasted in relation to the database. c) The Legal Research Organizer is an important resource for authorities and analysis in relation to a proposal. By investigating through data previously introduced in LRO, the user can avoid duplicity, and be based on past research and analysis. Through the Search Results window of the LRO Legal Research Organizer, the user can see a list of proposals from other LRO projects, which is obtained from the word search highlighted in the Word Search window. LRO automatically searches for existing LRO projects on proposals that respond to the word search, and lists those proposals in the Search Results window. Each proposal description is accompanied by the project number to which it is linked, the condition of the proposal review (which can be edited by the user), and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO makes a list of proposals in descending order, by project number. Only one proposal is highlighted at a time. • 5 d) Through the window View / copy other proposal data of the legal research organizer, the user can see all the data in relation to the proposals indicated in the search results window of the Legal Research Organizer. LRO displays the data in the Proposal Report format (explained in step ÉM 800 later), indicating all the data in the highlighted proposal. All or part of the report can be copied, pasted, printed or copied to a floppy disk. e) The user word processor is another source of useful information, particularly if memoranda or similar documents can be located in relation to the proposal. Through the LRO Word Processor Document Search Results window, the user F can see, add, edit and delete word processor and linked data document descriptions that are obtained from the word search highlighted in the Word Search window. After By performing the word search through the user's word processor program, the user can enter, organize and analyze the results in LRO. The word processor results search window displays a list of descriptions of documents and other linked data entered / edited by the user. Each description is accompanied by data that shows the document number (if applicable), the name of the document, the condition of its revision, and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO gives a descending order to the list of documents by document number. In case there are no applicable document numbers, LRO sorts the list of document descriptions alphabetically by document name. Only one document description is highlighted at a time. f) Through the Paste window / see list of documents of the word processor, the user can paste a list of document descriptions, downloaded from the user's word processor program to look up the words indicated in the window of Word search. The user can then add one or more of these descriptions to the Document Search Results window in the 15-word processor, along with data that shows the condition of the user's review of each document. The Document List window indicates the date in which each list was pasted. g) Currently, cases, conditions, legislative history, articles and other authorities can be found on various websites on the Internet, including websites supported by state and federal courts of second instance and government secretariats. After performing the word search indicated in the Word Search window, through a website the user can enter, organize and analyze the results in LRO. Through the LRO website search results window, the user can view, add, edit and delete quotes obtained from the website. The Search Results window displays the name and address of the website, searched jurisdictions, a list of • 5 citations, and other linked data entered / edited by the user. The website address is in a hyperlink text (that is, double-clicking on the data opens the indicated web address). Each statement is accompanied by the condition of its review and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO orders the list of citations alphabetically. Only one citation is highlighted at a time. • h) Through the Paste / View list of citations on the LRO website, the user can paste a list of citations, downloaded from a website, to search for the word highlighted in the Word Search window. Then the user can add one or more of said 15 citations to the Search Results window on the website, along with data that shows the condition of the user's review of each citation. The Appointment List window indicates the date on which each list was pasted. The address of the website is in a hyperlink text (that is, double-clicking on the data opens the indicated web address). 20 Step 440: Authorities associated with each proposal Through the Authorities window linked to the project proposal (figure 2), the user can see, add and edit a list of authorities linked to the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window. The user can also add to the list through the Search Results windows as described above, and attach the Authorities window and the Results window of the appointment book 5 described below. Each citation of authority is accompanied by the date on which the citation was issued, which is automatically recorded by LRO. The user can sort the list of authorities alphabetically, chronologically, chronologically in reverse or by classification of persuasion. Only one authority is highlighted at a time. a) Through the View / Copy data window of linked authorities, the user can see all the linked data of authority with the authority indicated in the Authorities window linked to the project proposal and the proposal highlighted in the Proposal window of project. LRO displays the data in the Authorization Report format (which is explained in step 900, below). All or part of the report can be copied, pasted, printed or copied onto a floppy disk. b) Through the window Delete all the data of the authority indicated related to the proposal of LRO, the user can delete all the data that relate both to the authority highlighted in the Authorities window linked to the project proposal, and only with the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposal window. The deleted data is stored in the recycle bin for a previously determined period (see step 2070, below).

Step 500: Enter information related to each authority Through the LRO Authorities window (figure 13), the user can view, add and edit citations of authorities linked to the project indicated in the Project window. Each citation of authority is accompanied by the date on which the citation was last edited, which is automatically recorded by LRO. Then the user can add to the list of authority citations through the Search Results window described above. LRO sorts the list alphabetically. Only a citation of authority is highlighted at the same time. a) Through the View / Copy data window of LRO authority, the user can see all the data linked to the citation of the authority indicated in the Authorities window. LRO displays the data in the Authorization Report format (which is explained in step 900, below) indicating all the data of the highlighted authority. All or part of the report can be copied, pasted, printed or copied to a floppy disk. b) Through the window to delete all the authority data of LRO, the user can delete all the data from the citation of the authority indicated in the Authorities window. The deleted data is stored in the recycle bin for a previously defined period (see step 2070 below).

Step 510: Enter basic information regarding each authority Through the Basic Information window of the LRO authority (figure 14), the user can edit the citation of the authority indicated in the Authorities window. The user can also view, add and edit important non-analytical information regarding the authority, including the K) date of the authority, the jurisdiction (s) and selection (s) of applicable law to which the authority belongs, and the type of authority. In legal research, types of authority may include cases, conditions, norms and other references. a) Citations with reference to authorities typically 5 must meet the abbreviation requirements. In LRO the user can automatically convert a word in a citation to the correct abbreviation by highlighting the word and pressing the citation abbreviation replacement button in the Basic Authority Information window. The user can also select and automatically insert a correct 0 abbreviation in a citation through the View / Select LRO citation abbreviation window. b) Through the Paste / See LRO authority text window, the user can paste the text of an authority downloaded from a website, online database or CD-ROM. The user can then copy and paste important authority text for the objectives of the Authority Analysis window described below. • 5 Step 520: Enter citations book service information related to each authority The Insta-cite® appointment book service from West Publishing Corporation, and the LEXIS-NEXIS Auto-cite® appointment book service are important tools to find additional related citations f) with an authority and proposal. Through the LRO Insta Cite® Results window (Figure 15) and the Auto-cite® Results window (not shown), the user can view, add, edit and delete citations and linked data resulting from verifications in Insta-cite® and Auto-cite® line of the citation of the authority indicated in the Authorities window. After carry out the verifications, the user can enter, organize and analyze the results in LRO. The Insta-cite® Results window and the Auto-cite® Results window display a list of citations and other linked data entered / edited by the user. Other linked data includes an introductory summary of various dating book services. A introductory summary is a summary of a reported case or a summary of the points decided in the case, which is placed at the top or the beginning of the opinion. Each citation is accompanied by data showing the condition of the review and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO orders the list of citations alphabetically. Only one citation is highlighted at a time. a) Through the Paste / View Insta-cite® list window and the Paste window / see the LRO Auto-cite® list, the user can paste • a list of citations downloaded from Instacite® and Auto-cite® appointment book services, related to the authority indicated in the Authorities window. The user can then add one or more of these citations to the Insta-cite® Search Results window and the Auto-cite® Search Results window, along with data that shows the user's review status of each citation. . The List window of • citations indicates the date on which each list was pasted in relation to the authority. b) Shepards® dating book service by Matthew Bender & Co., Ine, is another important tool for finding citations related to an authority and proposal. Through the window LAR's Shepards® Results, the user can view, add, edit and delete citations and linked data resulting from Shepardizing® (do • use of Shepards®) highlighted in the Authorities window. After using the program of Shepardizing® (through books or online databases or CD-ROM) the user can enter, organize and analyze the results in LRO. The Shepards® Results window displays a list of citations and other linked data entered or edited by the user. Each citation is accompanied by data that show the Shepards® analysis code, the applicable introductory summary and jurisdiction, condition of the user's review of the citation and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO lace a list of citations in the order in which they are entered. Only one citation is highlighted at a time. c) Through the Paste window / see appointment list of • 5 Shepards® from LRO, the user can paste a list of citations, downloaded from the Shepards® appointment book service, related to the highlighted authority and the Authorities window. The user can then add one or more of these citations to the Shepards® Results window, along with data that shows the condition of the review of the user's top of each citation. The List of appointments window indicates the date on which each list was pasted in relation to the authority. d) The KeyCite® dating book service of West Publishing Corporation is another useful tool for finding citations related to an authority and proposal. Through the Results window of LCR KeyCite®, the user can view, add, edit and delete citations and linked data that are found from the KeyCite® online checks of the authority citation highlighted in the Authorities window. After performing the verification, the user can enter, organize and analyze the search results of key appointments in LRO. The KeyCite® Results window displays the project proposal related to the authority, the related introductory summary and Keynumbers®, a list of citations and other linked data entered / edited by the user. Each citation is accompanied by data showing the condition of your review and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO orders the list of citations alphabetically. Only one citation is highlighted at a time. ito e) Through the Paste / View list of KeyCite®, the user can paste a list of citations downloaded from the KeyCite® appointment book service, related to the authority indicated in the Authorities window. The user can then add one or more of these citations to the KeyCite® Search Results window, along with the data that shows the condition of the user's review of each citation. The List of appointments window indicates the date on which each list was pasted in relation to the authority.

Step 530: Analysis entry in relation to each authority Through the LRO authority analysis window (figure 16), the user can view, add and edit analytical data related to the authority indicated in the Authorities window and the proposal highlighted in # the Project Proposals window. The data includes the similar or contrary proposal of the authority; the fundamental reason for the authority for this proposal; the relevant points of the authority, the similar facts or contradictory of the project, the persuasion factors of the authority, the important references of the authority, important parenthetic information for the authority, the introductory summaries of the authority and Key Numbers (key numbers); other important authorities cited by the authority, without using the authority, other comments regarding the authority, and (where applicable) important pages of the authority where the mentioned information is located. In each window, LRO automatically records the date on which ato was last edited. 5 a) Through the Persuasion Factors window of the LRO authority (Figure 17) the user can see and select from pre-established factors that typically affect the persuasion of an authority. In the selection of such factors, the user determines whether the authority: establishes a proposal similar to the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window; explains the fundamental reason underlying the proposal, contains an annotation of persuasion, involves facts that are similar to the facts of the project, concludes with a favorable result, was recently issued, involved the same judge or judges, or the same court or tribunal. a superior, which is involved in the matter underlying the project, or belongs to the same jurisdiction or selection of applicable law to which the project belongs. The user can also add other persuasion factors and adjust the importance value assigned to each persuasion factor with respect to all authorities. b) Through the View / copy classified data window of the related authority of LRO, the user can see all the authority data that are related to the authority indicated in the window of Authorities linked to the project proposal, and the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window, with the authorities classified in accordance with their persuasion. LRO determines the persuasion classification in accordance with the importance values of the persuasion factor, for example, adding the importance values LRO displays the data in the Proposal Report format (explained in step • 5 900, later), with the authorities listed in descending order, by persuasion classification. All or part of the report can be copied, pasted, printed or copied to a floppy disk. c) Through the window of Other important authorities quoted from LRO, the user can see, add and edit a list of other important authorities cited by the authority highlighted in the window of Authorities. Each citation of authority is accompanied by data showing the condition of its review and the date on which the condition was last updated. LRO alphabetizes the list of citations.

Only one citation is highlighted at a time. 15 d) Through the window Paste / see lists of other authorities quoted from LRO, the user can paste a list of other authorities mentioned, • downloaded from an online research database or CD-ROM.

Then the user can add one or more of these citations to the window of other important authorities mentioned, together with the data that shows the condition of the user's review of each citation. e) Through the window of ¿Use of authority? of LRO (Figure 18), the user can see and select options regarding whether the authority indicated in the Authorities window should be used together with the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposal Advantage. The option includes: use of authority, authority should be used, authority not used, reviewed and omitted, omitted, and not yet analyzed. The user can enter / edit a reasoning or comment regarding the selected option. LRO records the date in • that an option was last selected. Through the window of analysis of all the proposals of - Use? From LRO, the user can see a combined analysis of whether the authority should be used along with the entire project. LRO automatically compares the selected options for all proposals related to the authority, and determines the combined analysis. • Step 540: Proposals associated with each authority Through the Project proposals window related to the LRO authority (figure 19), the user can view, add and edit a list of project proposals related to the authority indicated in the Authorities window. The user can also add to the list through w the Search Results window, Authorities window and window of Results of the book of appointments, all described above. LRO lists the proposals in ascending order, by proposal number.

Only one proposal is highlighted at a time. a) Through the View / Copy data window of linked LRO proposals, the user can see all the proposal data linked to the proposal highlighted in the Project Proposals window related to the authority, and the authority indicated in the Authorities window. LRO displays the data in the proposal report format (which is explained in step 900, below). All or part of the report can be copied, pasted, printed or copied onto a floppy disk. b) Through the window Delete all the data of the highlighted proposals related to the LRO authority, the user can delete all the data related to the proposals indicated in the window of Project proposals related to the authority, and only with the authority indicated in the Authorities window. The deleted data is stored in the recycle bin for a previously defined period (see step 2070 and c), below).

Step 600: Input information related to each idea element / prose During the research and analysis process, the researcher presents ideas and effective ways to write points. Such ideas and prose points are typically lost if they are not recorded when they occur. Through the Ideas / prose window of LRO (figure 20), the user can view, add, edit and delete ideas and prose, and linked data, regarding the project highlighted in the projects window. Each idea / prose element is accompanied by a number (which is assigned by the user), the proposals (if any) to which the idea / prose element refers, and the date on which it was last edited. once the idea element / prose and linked data (which is automatically registered by LRO). LRO lists the ideas / prose elements in ascending order by number. Only one idea / prose element is highlighted at a time. • Step 700: Input information related to each task A list of "pending" is an important part of a complete process of research and analysis, otherwise useful tasks could be ignored. Through the LRO task window (figure 21) user f can view, add, edit and delete tasks and data linked to the project highlighted in the project window. Each task description is accompanied by a number, assigned by the user, the data showing the priority of the task and the condition of determination, and the date on which the condition was last updated (which is automatically recorded through LRO). The user can choose if LRO orders the tasks by number or by priority. Only one task is highlighted at a time.

• Step 800: Issue a proposal report that shows the information associated with the selected proposals; 20 Y Step 900: issuing an authority report that displays information associated with the selected authorities As discussed above, a key feature of the Legal Research Organizer is its ability to automatically create a report designed on all or part of the data in a project, with the simple act of touching a button. Such a report can then be used to prepare a memorandum or other written product related to the research project. Through the LRO Reports window, the user can view, add, edit and delete Reports that indicate all or part of the data related to one or more proposals, or one or more authorities. LRO automatically creates a report based on the user's selection from a Proposal Report Menu or Authorities Report Menu. LRO creates and lists the report descriptions in the Reports window, along with the date of the last edition (registered by LRO) and a report number (which can be edited by the user). LRO also creates and lists such information when a report is first created using the View / Copy Data window described above. Only one report description is highlighted at a time. The user can see the highlighted report through the View / Copy LRO report window. All or part of the report can be copied, pasted, printed or copied to a floppy disk. a) Through the menu of proposals for the report of LRO (figure 22), the user can view, select and edit the data that will be included in a proposal report, which then automatically creates LRO. The proposal report format indicates the data linked to one or more of the proposals linked to the project highlighted in the Projects window. The user can indicate the proposals that will be included in the report. LRO lists the proposals in an index at the beginning of the report, with page references indicating the location of the 5 proposal data. LRO also makes a list of user menu selections at the beginning of the report. 1) The user can select all or part of the following data to be included after each proposal: • Selected tasks (including the number, description, priority, condition and date of the last update of the condition for each task) ); • Related ideas / prose (including the number, description, and date of the last update of each idea / prose element); 15 • Scope of the investigation (including the parameter of dates, jurisdictions, selections of applicable law, and • types of authorities, and the date of the last edition for each one); • Key Numbers® related (including each topic / sub-topic, 20 topic number, Key Number®, and the date of the last search in the compendium); • Search results related to Key Number® (including searched jurisdictions, date of last edition, date of last search for each Key Number®, and revision condition and date of last update of condition for each citation located under To each Key Number®); 5 • Searches of related words (including the number and date of the last edition for each word search description); • Results of each word search: * > Research databases (including to searched jurisdictions, date of the last edition, and date of the last search for each database searched, and the condition of revision and the date of the last update of the condition for each citation located in each research database); 15 »> Legal research organizer (including the last date searched, and the project number, description, condition of the review and the date of the last update of the condition for each different project proposal); 20 »> Word processor documents (including the last search date, and the number (if applicable), description, revision condition and date of the last update of the condition for each word processor document); * > Websites (including searched jurisdictions, date of last edition and date of last searched website, and revision status and date of last state review for each citation located on each website); * > All data from the previous word search results; • Related authorities: * To use * > They can be used; < * Do not use; * Not yet reviewed / analyzed yet; < * Omitted; * Reviewed and omitted; * All previous related authority data. 2) The user may select all or part of the following data to be included after each related authority citation: • Applicable law selection; • Proposal similar / contrary to the authority (including important pages and the date of the last edition); • Fundamental reason of the authority and (including important pages and the date of the last edition); • Relevant facts of the authority (including important pages f and the date of the last edition); 5 • Similar / contrary facts of the project (including the last edition date); • Important references from the authority (including important pages and the date of the last edition); • Important parenthetical information (including pages • important and the date of the last edition); • Authority persuasion factors (including importance value and persuasion classification, and the date of the last edition); • Introductory summaries of the authority / Key Numbers 15 (including the latest edition date and each introductory summary number, subject / sub-topic of compendium, issue number and Key Numbers); • Other important authorities cited (including the last edition date and the revision condition and the date of the last update of the condition for each citation); • Use authority? (including the date of the last edition, the analysis, reasoning / comment and the date of the last selection of the proposal, and the combined analysis and the date of the last selection for all the proposals); • Other comments regarding the authority (including the number and date of the last edition for comment); • Insta-Cite® Results (including the date of the last search, and the condition of review and the date of the last update of the condition for each citation) • Results of Auto-Cite® (including the date of the last search, and the condition of review and the date of the last update of the condition for each citation) • Shepards® results (including the date of the last search, and Shepards analysis code, applicable introductory summary and jurisdiction, condition of revision and date of last update of the condition for each citation); • Results of KeyCite® (including the date of the last ^^ search, and the condition of revision and the date of the last update of the condition for each citation) 3) The user can choose to have LRO order the authorities alphabetically, chronologically, chronologically in reverse, or by classification of persuasion. LRO automatically separates the authorities into three types: cases, statutes / rules and others. The user can choose that LRO does not separate by type of authority, or that it excludes one or more types of authority from the report. b) Through the menu of the LRO Authorities Report window (Figure 23), the user can see, select and avoid the 5 data that will be included in an authorities report, which automatically creates LRO. The format of the authorities report indicates the data linked to one or more of the authorities linked to the project highlighted in the project window. The user can select the authorities that will be included in the report. LRO lists the (toti authorities in an index at the beginning of the report, with page references indicating the location of the authority data.) LRO also lists the selections in the user's menu at the beginning of the report 1) The user can select all authorities, specific authorities, or one or more of the following groups of authorities 15 to be included in the report: • Authorities to be used; ^ F • Authorities that can be used; • Authorities that will not be used; • Authorities not reviewed / analyzed yet; 20 • Authorities omitted; • Revised and omitted authorities; (2) The user can choose to have LRO order the authorities alphabetically, in chronological order, chronologically in reverse, or by classification of persuasion. LRO automatically separates the authorities into three types: cases, statutes / rules and others. The user may choose that LRO does not separate by type of authority, or that it excludes one or more authority types from the report. 5 3) The user can select all the data below, or part of them, to be included after each authority: • Selection (s) of applicable law of the authority; • Insta-Cite® results (including the date of the last search, and the revision condition and date of the last ^ k update of the condition for each citation) • Results of Auto-Cite® (including the date of the last search, and the condition of revision and the date of the last update of the condition for each citation) • Results of Shepards® (including the date of the last 15 search, and the Shepards analysis code, applicable introductory summary and jurisdiction, revision list and date of last update of the condition for each citation); • All comments regarding authority 20 (including the number and date of the last edition of each comment); • Related proposals. 4) The user can select all the data below, or part of them, to include them after each related proposal in the report: • • Similar / contrary proposal from the authority (including 5 important pages and the date of the last edition); • Fundamental reason for the authority (including important pages and the date of the last edition); • Important facts of the authority (including important pages and the date of the last edition); ™ • Similar / contrary to the project (including the latest edition date); • Important references from the authority (including important pages and the date of the last edition); • Important parenthetical information (including important pages 15 and the date of the last edition); • Authority persuasion factors (including values • importance of persuasion and rank, and the last date of publication); • Introductory note from the authority / Key Numbers® (including 20 the date of the last issue, and each introductory summary number, subject / sub-topic of compendium, issue number and Key Number® • Key Cite® results (including the latest date of search, and the condition of revision and the date of the last status update for each citation); A • Other important authorities cited (including the last edition date, and the condition of revision and the date of the last update of the condition for each citation); • Use of authority? (including the date of the last edition, the analysis, reasoning / comment and last date of selection of the proposal, and the combined analysis and date of the last selection of all the proposals); • • Other comments regarding the authority (including the number and date of the last edition for each comment).

Step 1000: Entry of general notes common to all 15 legal research projects in a user's notebook The LRO user's notebook allows the user to maintain general notes (for example file number, passwords, indexes, bibliographies, site addresses) web, references and databases of frequent use and similar data) this is common for all research projects. Through the user's notebook window (figure 24), the user can view, add, edit and delete the contents of the user's personal notebook. The user's notebook window includes a description of each section of the user's notebook, accompanied by a number (assigned by the user) and the date of the last edition (automatically registered by LRO). LRO lists the section descriptions in ascending order by number. Only one description is highlighted at a time.

Step 2000: Other data processing activities performed by the system and method As explained above, the LRO sidebar is always accessible, and includes buttons that open the main LRO windows. The sidebar also includes the following commonly used buttons: undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, print, copy to a floppy disk, save bold, italics, underline, font type, abbreviations and help. LRO has a superior menu bar that can always be accessed from any open window, and includes the following drop-down menus: file (including user preferences); notebook of the user; printing, setting up of printer, copying to floppy disk, recycling bin, authorized establishment, and closing); edit (including undo, redo, cut, copy, abbreviations, search, replace, spell checker), font type (including style, size, regular, bold, italics, underline, subscript, superscript, and symbols); and help (including content, index, and information about the legal research organizer, which contains patent, copyright and license information). The file menu display also shows the last four project numbers opened under the user's identification number. By selecting one of these projects, the user can open the project window with such a project as the indicated entry.

Step 2010: Printing / copying to a disk • 5 The print and copy buttons to a floppy disk can be used to print data from a window in accordance with a previously defined format. Such a characteristic is not the same as the characteristics of data transfer project, see / copy data, or report of proposals and authorities, explained above.

• Step 2020: Save LRO automatically saves data when the user closes a window (except when a cancel button is pressed), or opens another window. The save button enables the user to save data at any time.

Step 2030: Help The help button opens a standard help window, through which the user can find an explanation and appropriate information on each characteristic of the Legal Research Organizer. If the help button is pressed when a particular window is opened, the help window opens with information regarding that window.

Step 2010: Abbreviations As indicated in previous paragraphs, the words used in conjunction with legal research must frequently meet certain abbreviation requirements. The abbreviation button allows the user • 5 insert an abbreviation for a word on the cursor in an LRO sale, or automatically convert an indicated word into the appropriate abbreviation.

Step 2050: User preferences Through the user preference window, the user (top can pre-set preferences for additional LRO features.) Such preferences are related to the identification number in the User Identification Number and Password window, and will apply only when the LRO is opened using that identification number. the following: when you choose delete data LRO can ask if the user is sure that the data will be deleted; when the user presses a cancel button after entering / editing data LRO can ask if the user wants to save the data; when the user chooses to relate an authority to a project proposal, and the authority exceeds the scope of investigation for such a proposal, LRO can remind the user of the scope of the investigation.

Step 2060: Authorized Establishment Through the LRO Authorized Establishment window, the computer or network administrator can view, add, edit and delete user identification numbers and passwords, and set the storage period for data sent to the LRO recycling bin • 5 (described later). The administrator can also view, add, edit and delete certain data that LRO users select from a pre-set read-only list common to all LRO projects. The pre-established data include: abbreviations, symbols and descriptions of jurisdictions, types of authorities, selections of applicable law, databases of research data and websites. Authorized establishment windows can only be entered when the appropriate authorization number is entered in the LRO authorized establishment identification window, which opens when "authorized establishment" is selected from the 15 file menu display. The single authorization number is pre-set by the computer or network administrator when installing the LRO program.

^ P The data in the authorized establishment windows are related to the LRO program license number and apply uniformly to all LRO projects linked to such license number. Access limited to the authorized establishment window helps preserve the uniformity and effectiveness of the data entered, organized and analyzed in LRO.

Step 2070: Recycle bin Through the window of the LRO Recycle Bin, the user can see the deleted data that is stored in the trash, and the dates when LRO will automatically delete the data from the 5 trash. The user can choose to have LRO automatically return the data to the appropriate project at any time before the expiration date of the storage. While it is in the recycling bin, the description of the data (in the windows of projects, project proposals or authorities) is followed by the word "PAPERWORK". The storage period in the recycle bin is uniformly preset for all project data by the computer or network administrator, through an authorized establishment window. The present invention can be modalized into other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and by It is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not as restrictive, with reference to the appended claims instead of the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 5 1. A data processing system to organize, analyze, record, store and report results on research projects, proposals, authorities and issues underlying the projects, characterized because it includes: a) a computer that has a memory, a central processing unit, and an input / output unit; b) a first data structure registered in said memory, said first data structure encoding a plurality of projects; c) a second data structure registers in said memory, said second data structure encoding a plurality of proposals; d) a third data structure registered in said memory, said third 15 data structure encoding a plurality of authorities; and e) a computer program executed in said central processing unit, said computer program defining structural and functional relationships between said plurality of projects, said plurality of proposals and said plurality of authorities, said program of Computer receiving information about said plurality of projects, said plurality of proposals and said plurality of authorities entered by an operator through said input / output unit, and said computer program organizing said information and displaying relationships among said plurality of projects, said plurality of proposals, said plurality of authorities and said information to the operator through said input / output unit. 2.- The data processing system in accordance with the • 5 claim 1, further characterized in that each of said plurality of proposals is associated with at least one of said plurality of projects. 3. The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that each of said plurality A of authorities is associated with at least one of said plurality of projects. 4. The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that each of said plurality of projects additionally comprises a project name and project number, said project number being automatically generated by said computer program when the operator enters said project. 5. The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that each of said plurality of proposals 20 additionally comprises a proposal number and a proposal description. 6. The data processing system according to claim 5, further characterized in that each of said plurality of proposals additionally comprises a scope of research data that define the scope of the authorities to be investigated. 7. The data processing system according to claim 6, further characterized in that said scope of research data is selected from the group consisting of: parameter of dates, jurisdiction, selection of applicable law and type of authority. 8. The data processing system according to claim 5, further characterized in that it comprises at least one description of key number associated with each of the proposed toti descriptions mentioned. 9. The data processing system according to claim 8, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of key number search results associated with said key number description, after performing a key number search, the The operator can have access to said key number search results. 10. The data processing system according to claim 9, further characterized in that each of said plurality of key number search results further comprises said 20 key number description, a list of searched jurisdictions, the date on which each key number search mentioned was last performed, and a list of authority citations found by such a key number search under the key number identified by each description of key number. 11. The data processing system according to claim 10, further characterized in that each of said 5 authority citations additionally comprises authority review condition data and a date at which said authority review condition data was last updated. 12. The data processing system according to claim 5, further characterized in that each of the plurality of proposed proposals additionally comprises at least one word search description associated with each of said proposal descriptions and said description. word search additionally comprises a word search performed by the operator. 13. The data processing system according to claim 12, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of search database search results associated with said word search. 14. The data processing system according to claim 13, further characterized in that each of the plurality of research database search results 20 additionally comprises a research database identifier, a list of jurisdictions searched, the date on which said word search was last performed, and a list of authority citations found by said word search in the research database identified by each aforementioned research database identifier. 15. The data processing system according to claim 14, further characterized in that each of said 5 authority citations comprise data from the authority review condition and a date when the authority review condition data was last updated. 16. The data processing system according to claim 14, further characterized in that said search results in the research database can be downloaded into said memory from a CD-ROM by said input / output unit. 17. The data processing system according to claim 14, wherein said search results in the research database can be downloaded into said memory from a network 15 connected to said computer. 18. The data processing system according to claim 12, further characterized in that it comprises a list of proposals associated with said word search from another of said projects. 19. The data processing system according to claim 18, further characterized in that each of said proposals associated with said word search comprises proposal revision condition data and a date in which said condition condition data. proposal review were last updated. 20. The data processing system according to claim 12, further characterized by comprising descriptions 5 of word processor documents that are the result of the search for documents in word processor with said word search. 21. The data processing system according to claim 20, further characterized in that each of said f descriptions of word processor documents additionally comprises data of the revision condition of the document and a date in which said data of the The document's revision condition was last updated. 22. The data processing system according to claim 12, further characterized by additionally comprising a plurality of Internet search results associated with said word search. 23. The data processing system according to claim 22, further characterized by each of the plurality 20 of the Internet search result additionally comprises a Hyperlinked text web site dentist, a list of searched jurisdictions, the date on which the word search was last performed, and a list of authority citations found by said word search on each website identified by said site identifier. 24. The data processing system according to claim 23, further characterized in that each of said • 5 authority citations additionally comprise data of the authority review condition and a date when the authority review condition data was last updated. 25. The data processing system according to claim 22, further characterized in that said Internet search results can be downloaded into said memory from a network connected to said computer. 26.- The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said plurality of authorities additionally comprises a citation, a date of authority, 15 a type of authority, authority jurisdiction data and applicable law selection data of the authority. 27.- The data processing system according to claim 26, further characterized in that said computer program automatically converts the components of said citation 20 in a correct abbreviation. 28. The data processing system according to claim 26, further characterized in that the text associated with said plurality of authorities can be downloaded into said memory from a CD-ROM through said input / output unit. 29. The data processing system according to claim 26, further characterized in that the text associated with said • A plurality of authorities can be downloaded into said memory from a network connected to said computer. 30. The data processing system according to claim 26, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of search results of appointment book services associated with said EIT authority resulting from a search of appointment book services. 31. The data processing system according to claim 30, further characterized in that each of said plurality of search results of appointment book services comprises citations, authority review condition data and a date on which 15 was last authorized the data of the condition of review of that authority. • The data processing system according to claim 30, further characterized in that said search results of appointment book services can be downloaded into said memory 20 from a CD-ROM through said input / output unit. . 33. The data processing system according to claim 30, further characterized in that said search results of appointment book services can be downloaded into said memory from a network connected to said computer. 34. The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the authorities • 5 selected from said plurality of authorities are associated with a selected associated proposal of the selected proposals of said plurality of proposals. The data processing system according to claim 34, further characterized in that each of said plurality of authorities additionally comprises at least one associated authority data element selected from the group consisting of: an authority proposal similar or contrary to said associated proposal, a fundamental reason of authority for said authority proposal, relevant facts of authority in relation to said associated proposal, 15 facts of projects similar or contrary to said important facts of authority, factors of persuasion of authority, important references of the • authority with respect to such associated proposal, parenthetical points associated with said associated proposal, important introductory summaries of authority in relation to said associated proposal, important key authority numbers in relation to said associated proposal, other authorities cited by said authority that are important with respect to said associated proposal, indicator of use of authority associated with said associated proposal and with all the proposals of said plurality of proposals, comments associated with said associated proposal and with all the plurality of proposals, important pages of authority, and a date from the last time the associated authority data mentioned was edited. 36.- The data processing system in accordance with 5 claim 35, further characterized in that said authority persuasion factors are selected from the group consisting of: indicates similar proposal, explains rationale, contains persuasion references, involves similar facts, concludes with favorable results, was recently issued, involved the same judge (s), same judge or one (top toti, same jurisdiction, or same selection of applicable law associated with the matter underlying said project, and other persuasion factors entered by the operator through said entry / exit unit, each of said factors of persuading authority having a value of importance, and said computer program calculating a classification 15 of persuasion factor for each of said authorities based on said values of importance. 37.- The data processing system according to claim 35, further characterized in that said authority uses an indicator that is selected from the group consisting of: use of authority, 20 can use authority, not use authority, revised and omitted, omitted and not yet analyzed. 38.- The data processing system according to claim 35, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of search results of key appointments associated with said authority and said associated proposal. 39.- The data processing system according to claim 38, further characterized by each of the results • 5 search for key citations mentioned above includes citations and additionally comprises authority review condition data and a date when the review status data of that authority was last updated. 40.- The data processing system according to claim 38, further characterized in that said search results of key appointments can be downloaded into said memory from a CD-ROM through said input / output unit. 41.- The data processing system according to claim 38, further characterized in that said search results of key appointments can be downloaded into said memory from a network connected to said computer. 42.- The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a fourth data structure recorded in said memory, said fourth structure of 20 data encoding a plurality of ideas / prose elements associated with each of said plurality of projects. 43.- The data processing system according to claim 42, further characterized in that each of said ideas / prose elements additionally comprises a number of idea / prose elements, a date of the last edition, and a list of associated proposals. 44.- The data processing system in accordance with • 5 claim 1, further characterized by comprising a fifth data structure recorded in said memory, said fifth data structure encoding a plurality of tasks associated with each of said plurality of projects. 45.- The data processing system in accordance with fo | a claim 44, further characterized in that each of said tasks additionally comprises a task number, a priority number, termination data condition, the date on which the condition was last updated, and a list of associated proposals. 46.- The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said computer program additionally comprises a proposal report displayed by the operator through said input / output unit. 47.- The data processing system according to claims 6, 9, 13, 18, 20, 22, 30, 35, 38, 42, 44 and 46, characterized in addition because said proposal report comprises at least a selected proposal and at least one associated proposal reporting element related to said selected proposal, said associated proposal reporting element being selected from the group consisting of: tasks related to said selected proposal, ideas / prose elements related to said proposal selected proposal, said scope of research data, key numbers, said key number search results, said word search descriptions, said search results in research database, said list of proposals, said descriptions of processor documents of words, said search results on the Internet, authorities associated with said selected proposal, said elements of associated authority data, said search results of appointment book services, and said search results of mentioned key appointments. 48.- The data processing system according to claims 37 and 46, further characterized in that said proposal report additionally comprises at least one selected proposal and authorities associated with said selected proposal, wherein said associated authorities, with said proposal selected are selected and classified in accordance with said authority use indicator. 49.- The data processing system according to claims 26 and 46, further characterized in that said proposal report additionally comprises at least one selected proposal and authorities associated with said selected proposal, wherein said associated authorities, with said proposal selected are selected and classified in accordance with that type of authority. 50. - The data processing system according to claims 26, 36 and 46, further characterized in that said proposal report additionally comprises at least one selected proposal jf and authorities associated with said selected proposal, wherein said associated authorities, with said selected proposal are chosen and classified alphabetically, chronologically, chronologically in reverse or by means of said classification of the persuasion factor. 51.- The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said computer program further comprises an authority report that is displayed to the operator through said input / output unit. 52.- The data processing system according to claims 7, 30, 35, 38 and 51, further characterized in that said authorities report comprises at least one selected authority and 15 at least one associated authority report selected from the group consisting of: said authority applicable law selection data, ^ said search results of appointment book services, said associated proposals, said associated authority data, and said search results of key appointments. 53.- The data processing system according to claims 37 and 51, further characterized in that said authorities report additionally comprises at least one selected authority and wherein said selected authorities are chosen and classified in accordance with said indicator. use of authority. 54.- The data processing system in accordance with ^ P claims 26 and 51, further characterized in that said report of 5 authorities further comprises at least one selected authority and wherein said selected authorities are selected and classified in accordance with said type of authority. 55.- The data processing system according to claims 26, 36 and 51, further characterized in that said report ^ P of authorities additionally comprises at least one selected authority and wherein said selected authorities are chosen and classified alphabetically, chronologically , chronologically the other way around or through that persuasion factor classification. 56.- The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized by additionally comprising a sixth data structure recorded in said memory, said sixth data structure encoding a user notebook. 57.- The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of user identification numbers registered in said memory. 58.- The data processing system according to claim 57, further characterized in that it comprises a set of user preferences associated with said user identification number. 59.- The data processing system according to claims 6 and 58, further characterized in that said preferences 5 of the user additionally comprise a reminder message generated by said computer program in case one of said plurality of authorities has a scope that differs from said scope of the research data. 60.- The data processing system according to f) claim 57, further characterized in that it additionally comprises an authorized set-up capability associated with at least one of said plurality of user identification numbers. 61.- The data processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said program of 15 computer enables the operator, through said input / output unit to add, edit, delete, add, view, copy, cut, paste, transfer and ^ print data associated with said plurality of projects, said plurality of proposals and said plurality of authorities. 62.- The data processing system in accordance with 20 claim 1, further characterized in that said computer program enables the operator, through said input / output unit, to see activities that have been performed together with each of said plurality of projects. 63. - A data processing method for organizing, analyzing, recording, storing and reporting results of research on projects, proposals, authorities and issues underlying the projects, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) entering user identification data; b) enter information related to a plurality of research projects; c) enter information related to a plurality of projects; d) enter information related to a plurality of authorities; e) issue a proposal report that displays the information associated with the selected proposals of said plurality of proposals; and f) issue a report of authorities that displays the information associated with the selected authorities of said plurality of authorities. 64.- The data processing method according to claim 63, further characterized in that it comprises the step of associating each one of said plurality of authorities with at least one of said plurality of research projects. The method of data processing according to claim 63, further characterized by additionally comprising the step of associating each of said plurality of proposals with at least one of said plurality of research projects. 66.- The method of data processing according to claim 63, further characterized in that it comprises the step of entering information on said plurality of proposals that additionally comprises a step of entering the data of the scope of the investigation that define the scope of authorities that each plurality of proposals will be investigated for each one. ato 67.- The data processing method in accordance with the Claim 63, further characterized by comprising the step of entering information on said plurality of proposals further comprises a step of entering key number data that includes at least one key number for each of said plurality of proposals. 68.- The data processing method in accordance with the f < claim 67, further characterized in that said step of entering key number data additionally comprises the steps of performing a key number search under said key number, entering the key number search results from said key number search, and associating said results of search of a key number with one of said 15 plurality of proposals. 69.- The data processing method in accordance with the • claim 68, further characterized in that said step of entering the key number search results further comprises the steps of reviewing the authority citations in said key number search results and associating the revision status data with each of said citations of authority. The method of data processing according to claim 63, further characterized in that said step of entering information on said plurality of proposals additionally comprises a step of entering a word search description for each of said plurality of proposals. 71.- The data processing method according to claim 70, further characterized in that said step of entering a word search description additionally comprises the steps of performing said word search in a research database, entering the search results in the research database from said word search, and associate said search results f in the research database with one of said proposals. 72.- The data processing method according to claim 71, further characterized in that said step of performing a word search additionally comprises the step of reviewing the authority citations in said search results in the database 15 of investigation and associate the data of the revision condition with each one of the aforementioned authority citations. ^ 73.- The data processing method according to claim 70, further characterized in that said step of entering a word search description comprises the steps of performing a 20 proposal word search in proposals associated with said plurality of projects, enter proposal word search results, and associate said proposal word search results with one of said proposals. 74. - The data processing method according to claim 73, further characterized in that said step of entering the proposal word search results additionally comprises the step of reviewing proposals in said proposal word search results and associating the data of the condition of revision with each one of said proposals. The method of data processing according to claim 70, further characterized in that said step of entering a word search description further comprises the steps of performing a word search in a word processor document, entering the descriptions word processor document resulting from said word search in the mentioned word processor document and associating said word processor document descriptions with one of said proposals. 76.- The data processing method according to claim 75, further characterized in that said step of entering the word processor document descriptions further comprises the steps of reviewing the word processor documents in said word processor descriptions and associating the revision condition data with each of said word processor documents. 77.- The method of data processing according to claim 70, further characterized in that said step of entering a word search description additionally comprises the steps of performing a word search on the Internet, entering the results of the word search on the Internet and associate such search results on the Internet with one of these proposals. The data processing method according to claim 77, further characterized in that said step of performing a word search on the Internet additionally comprises the step of reviewing authority citations in said word search results on the Internet and associate the data of the revision condition with each one of said b citations of authority. 79.- The data processing method according to claim 63, further characterized by additionally comprising the step of associating each of said plurality of authorities with at least one of said plurality of proposals. 80.- The data processing method according to claim 63, further characterized in that said step of entering information in said plurality of authorities additionally comprises the step of entering a citation, a date of authority, data of authority jurisdiction, type of authority and selection data of applicable law of authority for each of said plurality of authorities. 81.- The data processing method according to claim 63, further characterized in that said step of entering information on said plurality of authorities additionally comprises a step of entering appointment book service data for each of said plurality of authorities. . 82.- The data processing method according to f * claim 81, further characterized in that said step of entering appointment book service data 5 further comprises the step of conducting a search of appointment book service in a service of dating book, entering the search results of the appointment book service from said appointment book service search, and associating said appointment book service search results with one of said plurality of fb authorities. 83.- The data processing method according to claim 63, further characterized in that it further comprises the step of associating a selected associated proposal of said plurality of proposals with those selected from said plurality of authorities. 15 84. The method of data processing according to claim 83, further characterized in that said step of entering • information on said plurality of authority additionally comprises the step of entering at least one element of associated authority data selected from the group consisting of: a proposal of similar authority or 20 contrary to said associated proposal, relevant facts of the authority, fundamental reason of the authority for said authority proposal, relevant facts of authority in relation to said associated proposal, facts of similar or contrary proposals to said important facts of authority, factors of persuasion of authority associated with such associated proposal, important references of the authority with respect to said associated proposal, parenthetical points associated with said associated proposal, important introductory summaries of authority in relation to said associated proposal, key authority numbers associated with said associated proposal, other authorities cited by said authority that are important with respect to said associated proposal, indicator of use of authority associated with said associated proposal and with all the proposals of said plurality of proposals, comments associated with said associated proposal and with all the proposals, p important pages of authority, and a date of the last time the associated authority mentioned data were published. 85.- The data processing method according to claim 84, further characterized in that said authority use indicator is selected from the group consisting of: use of authority, authority may be used, authority not used, revised and omitted, omitted and not analyzed yet. 86.- The data processing method according to claim 84, further characterized in that said authority persuasion factors are selected from the group consisting of: establishing similar proposal, explaining fundamental reason, containing persuasion references, involving similar facts, concludes with a favorable result, was recently issued, involved the same judge (s), same judge or superior, same jurisdiction, or same selection of applicable law associated with the matter underlying said project, and other persuasion factors entered by the operator, each of said persuasive factors of authority having an importance value, and said computer program calculating a classification of persuasive factor for each of said authorities based on said values of importance. The method of data processing according to claim 83, further characterized in that said step of entering information in said plurality of authorities further comprises the step of entering data of key appointments from the appointment book service for each of said plurality of authorities. 88.- The data processing method according to claim 87, further characterized in that said step of entering data from key appointments of the appointment book service additionally comprises the steps of performing a search for key appointments in the book service of appointments of key appointments, enter the results of the search of key appointments of said search of key appointments, and associate said search results of key appointments with one of said authorities and said associated proposal. 89.- The data processing method according to claim 88, further characterized in that said step of entering the search results of key appointments further comprises the step of reviewing the authority citations in said search results of key appointments and associating the data of the condition of review with each one of said citations of authority. 90.- The data processing method according to claim P, further characterized by comprising the step of entering ideas, prose and related data associated with each of the projects of the plurality of legal research projects . 91.- The method of data processing according to claim 63, further characterized by additionally comprising the step of entering a list of tasks and linked data associated with each fb one of said plurality of legal research projects. 92.- The method of data processing according to claims 63, 68, 71, 73, 75, 77, 82, 84, 88, 90 and 91, further characterized in that said report of proposals additionally comprises at least one proposal selected and at least one element of the report 15 of associated proposals related to said selected proposal, said associated proposal report element being selected from the group f ^ consisting of: tasks related to said selected proposal, idea / prose elements related to said selected proposal, said scope of data of research, key numbers, said results of 20 key number search, said word search descriptions, said search results of the research database, said proposal word search results, said word processing document descriptions, said search results on the Internet, authorities associated with said selected proposal, said associated authority data elements, said results of the appointment book service search, and said results of the search of key appointments. 5 93.- The data processing method according to claims 63 and 85, wherein said proposal report additionally comprises at least one selected proposal and authorities associated with said selected proposal and wherein said authorities associated with said selected proposal are selected and f) classified in accordance with said authority use indicator. 94.- The data processing method according to claims 63 and 80, further characterized in that said proposal report additionally comprises at least one selected proposal and authorities associated with said selected proposal and at 15 said authorities associated with said proposal selected are selected and classified in accordance with that type of authority. • 95.- The data processing method according to claims 63, 80 and 86, further characterized in that said proposal report additionally comprises at least one selected proposal and authorities associated with said selected proposal and wherein said associated authorities with said selected proposal it is selected and classified alphabetically, chronologically, chronologically in reverse or by said persuasion factor classification. 96. - The method of data processing according to claims 80, 82, 84 and 88, further characterized in that said authorities report additionally comprises at least one authority selected from at least one element of the authorities report • 5 associates selected from the group consisting of: said applicable authority law selection data, said search results of services in the appointment book, said associated proposals, said associated authority data elements and said appointment search results key. The method of data processing according to claims 63 and 85, further characterized in that said authorities report additionally comprises at least one selected authority, and wherein said selected authorities are selected and classified in accordance with said indicator of use of authority. 15 98.- The data processing method according to claims 63 and 80, further characterized in that said report of The authorities additionally comprise at least one selected authority wherein said selected authorities are chosen and classified in accordance with said type of authority. 20 99.- The data processing method according to claims 63, 80 and 86, further characterized in that said authorities report additionally comprises at least one selected authority where said selected authorities are chosen and classified alphabetically, chronologically, chronologically conversely or by that classification of persuasion factor. 100.- The data processing method according to claim 63, further characterized by additionally comprising the step of entering general notes for each user in a user's notebook. •