2020-2021 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

LAW 217 - Legal Research & Writing I


Description: Principles and techniques for conducting legal research. Emphasis on sources of law, utilization of primary and secondary sources, and case briefing. Extensive practice in writing research memoranda.

Prerequisites: LAW 100  

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Course Content:
  1. Grammar and sentence structure
  2. Role of the paralegal in conducting legal research
  3. Techniques of legal research
  4. Statutes, digests, reporters, legal periodicals, and other sources
  5. Facts and issues in legal analysis
  6. Blue Book and/or ALWD citation form
  7. Legal analysis and writing
  8. Writing legal memoranda
  9. Ethical concerns in legal research and writing

Learning Outcomes:
  1. Identify parts of a sentence and use correct grammar in legal writing. (1,8)
  2. Describe the role of the paralegal in conducting legal research and in legal writing. (2)
  3. Research the law using appropriate legal resources and techniques. (3,4)
  4. Locate federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, acts, and cases. (3,4)
  5. Summarize, outline and explain the relevant facts and legal issues involved in a legal problem. (5)
  6. Cite cases using Blue Book and/or ALWD citation form. (6)
  7. Apply legal analysis in the writing process. (7,8)
  8. Write legal memoranda. (8)
  9. Identify and explain ethical concerns relating to legal research and writing. (9)