Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PAL 101 - Legal Research and Writing


Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
An introduction to legal research. Students learn to use legal research tools such as indexes, digest, encyclopedias, treatises, annotated reports, restatements, and law reviews. The West key number system and Shepard’s citations are taught. In addition, students learn how to do cite and proof checking of legal citations in briefs and other documents.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

  1. Function efficiently at the paralegal level.
  2. Perform legal research manually and using electronic systems.
  3. Be exposed to the tools available to a lawyer to ascertain the law.
  4. Effectively utilize legal tools.
  5. Possess the confidence to utilize a law library of any size.
Listed Topics
  1. Introduction to Legal Research
  2. The Legal Research Process
  3. Court Reports
  4. Federal Court Decisions
  5. State Court Decisions and the National Reporter System
  6. Legislation Forms
  7. Digests for Court Reports
  8. Annotated Law Reports
  9. Constitutions
  10. Federal Legislation
  11. Federal Legislation Histories
  12. State and Municipal Legislation
  13. Court Rules and Procedures
  14. Administrative Law
  15. Loose-leaf Services
  16. Shepard’s Citations
  17. Legal Encyclopedias
  18. Legal Periodicals and Indexes
  19. Treatises, Restatements, Model Codes and Uniform Laws
  20. Other Research Aids
  21. English Legal Research
  22. Federal Tax Research
  23. International Law
  24. Computer Assisted Legal Research and Micro-text
Reference Materials
Contemporary texts, software and appropriate A-V materials.
Approved By: Kingsmore, John Date Approved: 05/21/1990


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