LGL-226: Legal Writing

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Business & Economics
Department
Legal Studies
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Legal Studies
Course Number
226
Course Title
Legal Writing
Cross-Referenced Course
PLGL-226: Legal Writing
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
ENG-131 and PLGL-126 both with a C grade or better, or Instructor Permission
Catalog Course Description

Explores how to identify legal issues and perform advanced-level research using Westlaw® and other Internet-based research databases. Covers application of the law to a hypothetical fact scenarios and presenting results in an objective memorandum, persuasive brief, or oral argument, using appropriate legal terminology and citation.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Identify of Legal Issues
    • Identify and analyze complex legal issues from real and hypothetical fact scenarios.
  2. Legal Research and Analysis
    • Develop strategies and conduct advanced legal research using computer-assisted research tools.
    • Synthesize and apply multiple sources of law relevant to a complex real or hypothetical fact scenario.
  3. Objective Memoranda
    • Draft objective memoranda analyzing and applying the law to a real or hypothetical scenario involving multiple legal issues, and presenting a legally supported conclusion.
    • Properly validate and cite findings.
  4. Opinion Letter
    • Analyze and apply the law to a real or hypothetical scenario.
    • Draft legal opinions to a hypothetical client with a legally supported conclusion and recommendation.
  5. Persuasive Brief or Argument
    • Draft persuasive brief or present persuasive argument after analyzing and applying the law to a real or hypothetical scenario involving multiple legal issues.
    • Properly validate and cite findings.
  6. Ethics
    • Evaluate the ethical considerations of the paralegal in the legal research and writing process.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, in-class and out-of-class assignments, drafting assignments, and/or class participation.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Fall 2019