Legal Research and Writing Syllabus for 2013-2014
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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:

1. Identify the primary sources of law in America at the state and federal level.
2. Identify secondary sources of law and legal opinion.
3. Analyze and identify legal issues in a fact situation.
4. Use appropriate legal sources to find law applicable to resolving specific legal questions:
5. Validate law sources.
6. Use LEXIS and the internet to conduct legal research.
7. 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.
    

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

\N

Grading Criteria

\ GRADING CRITERIA:

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ Tests 1 and 2	\ 25%
\ Final Examination	\ 25%
\ Legal Memorandum	\ 25%
\ Projects and Class Participation	\ 25%

\

\  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 regularly.

\

\  

Calendar

Additional Information

\ BE SURE TO SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFORE YOU CHANGE TO NON-CREDIT, DROP, OR WITHDRAW. THERE MAY BE OPTIONS OF WHICH YOU ARE NOT AWARE.