PAL 101 - Legal Research and Writing

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
In this course, students explore fundamental legal research techniques. Students review the primary sources of law, particularly cases and statutory law, and secondary law through indexes, digests, encyclopedias, treatises, annotated reports, restatements and law reviews. The course covers the West Key Number system and teaches Shephard’s citations. Students also learn to perform cite and proof checking of legal citations in briefs and other documents.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Identify the tools available to lawyers to ascertain the law.
Perform legal research manually and using electronic systems.
Utilize legal tools effectively.
Develop strategies for navigating law libraries of differing sizes and scopes to complete research tasks.
Demonstrate proficiency in paralegal responsibilities and workflow.

Listed Topics

Introduction to legal research, the legal research process, primary and secondary law sources
Court reports, federal court decisions, state court decisions, national reporter system
Legislation forms, digests, annotated law reports, constitutions
Federal legislation, federal legislation histories, state legislation, municipal legislation
Court rules, procedures
Administrative law
Bluebook citations
Legal encyclopedias, legal periodicals, indexes
Treatises, restatements, model codes, uniform laws
Other research aids
Computer assisted legal research

Reference Materials
Textbook and materials as deemed appropriate by instructor.

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Information Literacy

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 01/26/2024
Last Reviewed: 01/26/2024

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PAL 101 - Legal Research and Writing