Legal Research and Writing Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

LGLA-1301-001 Legal Research and Writing

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, POFI 2301, LGLA 1307 and BCIS 1305 or department chair consent

Course Description

This course provides a working knowledge of fundamentals of effective legal research and writing. Topics include law library techniques, computer assisted legal research, briefs and legal memoranda.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Legal Research and Writing, Fourth Edition – Carol Bast and Margie Hawkins
The Elements of Style – Oliver Strunk and E.B. White
TexasRules of Form – University of Texas

Supplies

\ See attachment

Student Performance

\ LEARNING OUTCOMES:  At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to analyze a fact situation, identify potential legal issues, identify appropriate law sources and legal authorities, provide a written summary of his or her findings in the appropriate legal format which analyzes the facts, legal issues, authorities, and makes a useful conclusion which applies the legal authorities to the facts.

\ PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:   After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Paralegal Studies program:

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1. \ Identify the primary sources of law in America at the state and federal level (SCANS*, Information, Resources)
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2. \ Identify secondary sources of law and legal opinion  (SCANS*, Information, Interpersonal, Resources)
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3. \ Analyze and identify legal issues in a fact situation. (SCANS*, Information, Resources, Basic Skills)
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4. \ Use appropriate legal sources to find law applicable to resolving specific legal questions. (SCANS*, Technology, Information, Resources)
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5. \ Validate law sources. (SCANS*, Technology, Information, Resources)
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6. \ Use WESTLAW, or LEXIS, and the internet to conduct legal research. (SCANS*, Technology, Information, Resources)
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7. \ Learn to prepare a written opinion in appropriate format. (SCANS*, Technology, Information, Resources, Basic Skills, Personal Qualities)
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8. \ Prepare a written memorandum which identifies the legal question(s) presented by a fact situation, identifies the applicable legal authorities, provides a written summary and analysis of their findings, and applies the findings to the legal issues presented by the facts. (SCANS*, Technology, Systems, Information,                     Interpersonal, Resources, Basic Skills, Personal Qualities)
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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Grading Criteria

\ GRADING CRITERIA:

\             Test 1                                                               25%
\             Test 2                                                               25%
\             Final Examination                                              25%
\             Projects and Class Participation                         25%

\                                                                                     100%

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\ CLASS PARTICIPATION:  To receive an A for class participation you must attend regularly, complete all assignments, and participate in class discussions in a positive fashion.

Attendance

\ Employees in the business world are expected to be at work each day; therefore, students in paralegal studies classes are expected to be in class promptly and routinely.

Calendar

Additional Information

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