Legal Research and Writing Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

In this course, you are expected to read all assigned materials and agree to abide by the rules and guidelines presented in the department academic integrity policy; by submitting an assignment, you acknowledge this policy. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VG1NSpxZzc8HDz_ElcnwYALIMYy-tCSl/view?usp=drive_link

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Legal Writing in Plain English - Bryan A. Garner - 2nd Edition

ISBN-13: 978-0226283937; ISBN-13: 978-0-226-03139-2 (e-book) 

The Elements of Style - 4th Edition - Oliver Strunk and E.B. White - ISBN-13:978-0205313426

Texas Rules of Form - 15th Edition - University of Texas - ISBN-978-1-878674-11-14

 

Supplies

None

Student Performance

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:

Legal Research Skills

1.         Prepare and carry out a legal research plan; analyze and categorize key facts in a situation.

2.         Use both print and electronic sources of law to locate applicable statutes, administrative regulations, constitutional provisions, court cases and other primary source materials.

3.         Use both print and electronic sources of law to locate treatises, law review articles, legal encyclopedias, and other secondary sources.

4.         Read, evaluate, and analyze both print and electronic sources of law and apply them to issues requiring legal analysis.

5.         Properly cite both print and electronic sources of law.

6.         Cite check legal sources.

7.         Identify, locate, and appropriately use both print and electronic resources to update and verify the reliability of cited legal authority.

Legal Writing Skills

1.         Understand and apply principles of writing and rules of English grammar to all writing tasks.

2.         Write in a style that conveys legal theory in a clear and concise manner.

3.         Read and apply a court option to a fact situation.

4.         Report legal research findings in a standard interoffice memorandum or other appropriate format.

5.         Cite print and electronic primary and secondary sources in proper form.

6.         Draft client correspondence and legal documents using proper format and appropriate content.

7.         Locate and modify standardized forms found in form books, pleadings, files, form files, or a computer databank to fit a particular situation.

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

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY AND INDIVIDUAL WORK ETHIC

Scholastic Dishonesty is considered serious academic misconduct.  All assignments, projects, and tests presented in this class must be the work of the student submitted the same.  No form of scholastic dishonestly will be tolerated.  Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.  Amarillo College policies and student Code of Contact is strictly adhered to when dealing with scholastic dishonesty.  Any evidence of scholastic dishonesty will result in a zero on the project, assignment, or test in question.

A complete statement regarding scholastic dishonesty can be found in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at:  http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=407.

 

WEATHER CLOSINGS

If Amarillo college classes are called because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television stations and KGNC Radio.  The message will also be posted on the college website (www.actx.edu) and the college’s main telephone number.  The decision to close evening classes will be made by 3:00 PM.  If no announcement is made by that time, class will be held as normally scheduled.

 

USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent/vibrate during class meeting times.  Remove and turn off any blue tooth devices.  No text messaging will be allowed during class.  Put away your music devices, tablets, and any other device with recorded music, and the earphones to listen to music.  You will be asked to leave class if you are in violation of this policy.  You will be counted absent and you will not receive credit for that day’s projects, quizzes, or tests.

 

GROUND RULES

1.         Everyone is expected to be prepared for class and participate in class discussions.

2.         Although students should arrive on time and stay for the entire class period, special circumstances sometimes arise.  If you arrive late or leave early, please do so as quietly as possible.

3.         Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be permitted or tolerated.

4.         Students are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether it is specifically discussed in lecture.

Grading Criteria

*C is the minimum grade required for all Paralegal Studies majors.

The final grade will be awarded as follows:

            90% - 100% = A

            80% - 89%  = B

            70% - 79% = C*

            60% - 69% = D

            Below 60% = F

The final grade will be calculated as follows:

Attendance – 5%

Student Engagement – 10%

Discussion Posts – 30%

Legal Memorandum – 25%

Tests – 30%

Attendance

Attendance

You are expected to be prepared for, and promptly attend, all scheduled class meetings.  If you attend class and remain in class for the duration of the meeting, you will get a 100 for that evening; if you do not, you will get a 0.  Should you miss a class, it is your responsibility to determine what you missed and to take appropriate measures.  I recommend that you get notes from someone in class for any class you must miss.

It is your responsibility to initiate a drop or withdrawal through the Registrar’s Office.  If you stop attending class, but fail to official withdraw from the course, you will receive a final grade of F.

In the event you are sick or have an emergency, please contact me before class via email at achism21@actx.edu so that I may adjust your grade accordingly.

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.