This subject provides a foundational introduction to legal methodology tailored for PhD candidates in the maritime and ocean domains. Recognizing that WMU students represent a wide array of technical, scientific, and social science disciplines, the course focuses on the methodological frameworks and practical protocols of legal research. The course guides students through the nature of legal sources, the hierarchy of international and national norms, and the principles of legal interpretation, enabling them to navigate legal frameworks with doctoral-level rigor.