Syllabus
Legal Research & Writing I
LEGL 211
Gannon University
Mondays, 6:00 – 8:50 p.m. Judge John Garhart
Fall 2006
Palumbo Center 2200
Course Description:
An essential course for any legal assistant or anyone interested in the legal field. Detailed examination of the sources of law, practical applications of all legal resource books and materials, extensive use of the Law Library and an introduction to legal research techniques.
Required Text: Legal Research Illustrated, 8th Edition, Foundation Press, 2004
Course Outcomes:
The students will gain general knowledge about the sources of law and the legal system. Students will be exposed to all legal research materials, including computerized legal research; they will gain a working knowledge of the Law Library; and they will acquire the ability to perform legal research assignments. The research techniques mastered in this course are a prerequisite for Legal Research II, where the student will be expected to perform legal research projects and prepare formal written legal memoranda.
Teaching Approach & Methods:
The course will consist of classroom lectures on the relevant subject matter and practical assignments using various legal resources at the County Law Library and Gannon Library.
Evaluation Policy & Procedures:
The final grade will be determined by practical assignments (50%); midterm evaluation (25%); and a final examination (25%).
Class Attendance:
University policy stipulates: Attendance at all classes and laboratory sessions…is expected of all students and all courses conducted with this understanding. A student’s grades are based upon the general quality of work performed in each course and by such factors as prompt completion of all assignments, papers and readings, by presence for all examinations, and by participation in class discussion. The faculty has no obligation to provide special consideration of any kind to students who are absent from classes or examinations unless in the judgment of the faculty members the reason for absence warrants such consideration. Assignments and examinations missed are graded as failures.
Class attendance can be mandated by a faculty member and can affect the grade given provided that students are notified through the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. Students are advised that class attendance or nonattendance can leave a substantial influence on the quality of performance and completion of assignments, in class participation, in laboratory work, in preparation for success in examinations, and in any other factors that may be used as criteria in determining the grades that will be received. Freshmen who are absent from a particular course may be dismissed from the course upon recommendation by the faculty member or the Dean of the student’s division. Missing an 80 minute period is considered as one and one-half absences.
Academic Integrity: Academic honesty is assumed. Any student found guilty of serious academic dishonesty may receive failing grade for the course. Each student is advised to review the Code of Academic Integrity publication or see instructor with any question.
A. Definition and Terminology 3 hours
B. Introduction to Case Analysis 3 hours
A. The Legislature ~ Statutory Law 3 hours
~ Regulations 2 hours
B. Administrative Agencies ~ Administrative Law 1 hour
C. The Judiciary ~ Case Law ~ Hierarchy of Courts ~ Reporters 3 hours
A. Primary Sources
1. Statutes 3 hours
2. Court Decisions 3 hours
3. Administrative Rules & Regulations 3 hours
B. Secondary Sources
1. Textbooks 1 hour
2. Treatises, restatements 2 hours
3. Periodicals 1 hour
C. Finding Tools
1. Digests 3 hours
2. Encyclopedias 1 hour
3. Annotations 2 hours
4. Loose-leaf services 1 hour
A. Shepardizing 2 hours
B. Parallel Citations 1 hour
C. Supplements and pocket parts 2 hours
VI. LEGAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY 2 hours