PRL 112 - Legal Research & Writing I

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Open

This course will cover an integrated introduction to legal research and writing. Topics will include how to use a law library, perform legal research, analyze legal problems, and communicate research findings in the proper written format. An overview of how to locate and use both primary and secondary legal research sources, including federal and state cases, statutes, and regulations will be included. Computer-based legal research tools as well as print sources will be examined.
Prerequisite: ENG 105 with a C or better
Competencies

Evaluate Legal Research in Print and Electronic Resources
1. Explain the General Characteristics of Print and Electronic Informational Resources
2. Compare Westlaw and Public-Assess Internet Sites for Locating Legal Information
Examine Primary Authority Resources
1. Explain Different Types and Function of Legal Primary Authority
2. Research Federal and State Constitutions
3. Retrieve Relevant Legislation from Federal and State Publications
4. Retrieve Relevant Regulatory Law from Federal and State Administrative Agency Publications
5. Summarize Federal and State Court Reporter Publications to Obtain Relevant Case Law
Develop a Research Plan
1. Discuss the Underlying Factual Situation
2. Identify the Legal Issue(s)
3. Select Search Terms and Formulate a Legal Query
4. Review Cite-Checking Resources
Develop Mechanics of Legal Writing
1. Identify the Purpose of Various Documents
2. Distinguish between Various Audiences
3. Discuss Correct Grammar and Punctuation
4. Produce a Document with Appropriate Paragraphs
5. Demonstrate Use of an Outline as a Tool to Improve Writing Skills
6. Write an Introduction, Transitional Phrases and Paragraph Topic Sentences when Drafting Legal Documents where Appropriate
Generate Appropriate Legal Correspondence
1. Distinguish between Correspondence to Clients and Written on Behalf of Clients and Others
2. Write Effective and Professional Legal Communication
Analyze Citation of Informational Research
1. Identify Sources of Legal Citation Rules
2. Explain the Accepted Legal Citation Manual(s)
3. Construct Citations for Legal Information Resources
4. Apply Local Court Rules Governing Citation Form