PLGL-226: Legal Writing

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Business & Economics
Department
Legal Studies
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Paralegal
Course Number
226
Course Title
Legal Writing
Cross-Referenced Course
PLGL-225: 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 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.
    • Analyze and apply multiple sources of law relevant to a complex real or hypothetical fact scenarios.
  3. Objective Memoranda
    • Draft an objective memorandum analyzing and applying the law to a multi-issue real or hypothetical fact scenario.
    • Properly validate and cite findings.
  4. Opinion Letter
    • Draft a legal opinion for a hypothetical client, legally supporting the conclusion and recommendation.
  5. Persuasive Brief or Argument
    • Analyze and apply multiple sources of law relevant to a complex real or hypothetical fact scenarios, develop an appropriate persuasive argument, and present the argument either orally or in writing.
  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 2020