Adv. Legal Research & Writing ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

Legal research is the process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal decision-making. In its broadest sense, legal research includes each step of a course of action that begins with analyzing facts of a problem and concludes with communicating and applying the results of the investigation. As compared to legal research, legal writing places a heavy reliance on authority. In most legal writing, the writer must back up assertions and statements with citations to authority. This is accomplished by a unique and complicated citation system. The standard methods for American legal citation are defined by two competing rulebooks: the ALWD Citation Manual: A Professional System of Citation and The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. PLS 202 is designed to improve and refine legal research and writing skills through a series of assignments which require in-depth legal research and analysis. The course also examines the role of the paralegal, the Code of Professional Ethics, and other related standards of proper conduct.