LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING II
LEGAL STUDIES 212 (LEGL 212)
Spring 2005
Tuesdays, 4:30-7:20 p.m.
Room 3200, Palumbo Center

INSTRUCTOR: Ryan A. Christy

PHONE:
870-7751 (day)
897-1651 (evening)

E-MAIL: rchristy@mijb.com

REQUIRED TEXT: PRACTICAL CASE ANALYSIS by Linda L. Edwards

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course serves as an essential component in applying techniques covered in Legal Research and  Writing I. The focus is on practical assignments which examine in detail the components of court opinions and analyze the rationale behind those opinions. The first half of the class will focus primarily on the elements of judicial opinions as students learn how to "brief' cases. The second half of the class will be geared toward the preparation of both "internal" and "advocacy" memorandums.

OUTCOME STATEMENT: Students will accomplish the goals of recognizing the individual elements of court opinions, perfect their ability to complete research assignments and develop skills in legal research and writing through the preparation of written memorandums of law.

REQUIREMENTS: Students will prepare homework assignments regarding case analysis, draft briefs of judicial opinions, and write three legal memorandums. It is expected that all assignments will be completed in a timely fashion. Attendance in class is a critical part of the course, in that the text provides useful information and exercises to develop legal research skills, but in class we will discuss actual cases decided by the courts and build upon the material from the text to hone the skills of legal research and writing. Each class period, during which time we will cover the specific topics listed on the following page, will last 2 hours and 50 minutes.

GRADING: Your final grade will be broken down as follows - 10% from homework, 10% from case briefs, 25% from the first memo, 25% from the second memo, and 30% from the final memo. Grading is on a ten-point scale. In addition, a grade may be enhanced by attendance and participation on a consistent basis.

ATTENDANCE: Please see the University policy regarding attendance.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Please review the University's Code of Academic Integrity.