Course Outline for Paralegal Studies 31
Legal Writing and Research

Effective: Fall 2019
SLO Rev: 09/18/2018
Catalog Description:

PLGL 31 - Legal Writing and Research

3.00 Units

This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of legal research and writing. Students will learn how to locate, analyze and cite to federal and state cases, statutes, constitutions, and secondary sources. Instruction is given on utilizing both print materials and online resources. Students will prepare case briefs that demonstrate legal reasoning, proper punctuation, grammar and clarity of expression.
Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50.
1402.00 - Paralegal*
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. define and analyze the difference between federal and state case law, statutes, constitutions and secondary authority;
  2. distinguish between primary and secondary legal authority
    and cite appropriate legal authority;
  3. research and analyze legal authority and apply it to relevant facts;
  4. identify and distinguish binding and persuasive authority;
  5. identify and author legal citations in Bluebook formats;
  6. review and identify proper legal authority via electronic research;
  7. review and analyze a legal case and identify its component parts;
  8. assist with the preparation of and draft a legal memorandum of law;
  9. examine rules of legal ethics and substantive and procedural law;
  10. utilize technology to prepare legal documents.
Course Content:
  1. Legal system, research techniques and resources and case briefing

  2. Primary features and content of legal authority 

A. Case reporters
B. Secondary sources
C. Other legal authority
 
3. Major primary and secondary sources of law
A. Case
B. Statute
C. U.S. Consitution
D. California consitution
 
4. Legal writing
A. Skills
B. Legal citation style
1. The Bluebook
2. California Style Manual
  
5. Legal problems and fact patterns
A. Memoranda organization
B. Synthesis
C. Application of law to facts
D. Conclusion
E. IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion)
6. Persuasive Writing
A.Synthesis
B. Organization
C. Outlining
D. Persuasive writing
7. Grammar and Language
A. Sentence and paragraph composition
B. Word and sentence usage
C. Use of proper grammar and punctuation
8. Online legal databases
    1. Westlaw
    2. Lexis Nexis
9.  Formatting Legal Documents
    1. Court and lcoal rules
    2. Briefs
    3. Memoranda
    4. Letters
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Written assignments
  3. Textbook reading assignments
  4. Group Presentations
  5. Diagnostic Quizzes
  6. Problem Solving
  7. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Shepardize and keycite citations using LexisNexis and Westlaw. 2. Edit a legal pleading in Microsoft Office Word for grammar, sentence composition, page length, and formatting, including putting the document on pleading paper. 3. Analyze a case to determine the component parts. 4. Draft a legal pleading using IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis and Conclusion).
  1. Class Participation
  2. Final Examination
  3. Attendance
  4. Papers
  5. Midterm Examination
  6. Quizzes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Contrast and explain the difference between written professional communications, oral presentations, and legal memorandum including pleadings, briefs, and motions.
  2. Explain how to cite various legal authorities and how to shepardize and keycite using electronic resources like LexisNexis or Westlaw.
  3. Comprehend and explain the rules contained in various legal authorities and how to apply them to a variety of fact patterns, as well as prepare and brief a moderately complex legal case.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Putnam, W. H., Albright, J.R. (2018). Legal Research, Analysis and Writing (4th). Cengage.
  1. The Columbia Law Review. Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. The Harvard Law Review, .
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of legal research and writing. Students will learn how to locate, analyze and cite to federal and state cases, statutes, constitutions, and secondary sources. Instruction is given on utilizing both print materials and online resources. Students will prepare case briefs that demonstrate legal reasoning, proper punctuation, grammar and clarity of expression.
Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50.