When a clerk researches a procedure, the clerk should first determine the statutes that are applicable.

• A. True
• B. Always
• C. False
• D. It depends

Answer: (C)

Understanding the task and its context comes before naming the exact rules that apply. When researching a procedure, you shouldn’t lock in on statutes as the first step. Start by clarifying the issue you’re addressing, the jurisdiction, and what outcome or steps are being sought. This framing tells you which sources actually control the outcome, which can be a mix of statutes, court rules, regulations, and agency procedures, not statutes alone. Once the issue and scope are clear, you then identify and verify the applicable authorities—statutes as one piece of the puzzle, alongside other primary sources and any relevant guidance. Framing the problem first ensures you’re looking at the right rules and not overlooking other controlling sources.