LAWS220 Legal Research and Writing I
Department of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies: Paralegal/Legal Studies
- I. Course Number and Title
- LAWS220 Legal Research and Writing I
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- LAWS100 (C or better) AND EITHER COMP110 (C or better) OR MGMT135 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- This course utilizes a learning management space to supplement course materials.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course provides an introduction to the tools used in legal research including statutes, cases, treaties, encyclopedia and computer search techniques. Students research actual case problems and prepare written memorandum of law. Students also learn how to file research materials and use state and federal legal reporter services.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the methods of legal filing of research materials;
- Understand the tools available to solve legal research problems and analyze cases;
- Apply legal writing skills through the preparation of memoranda and proper legal citation;
- Understand and discuss state and federal legal reporter services; and
- Use and apply understanding of legal encyclopedias to research legal problems.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The following topics are presented:- Filing
- Legal research tools
- Legal writing
- Legal citation
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, classroom exercises, class or online participation, and/or projects as specified by the area faculty and described in the individual instructors' course syllabus are utilized. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 9/02; New Core 8/2015; Revised 12/2015