Standard

 

PLS 117 - Advanced Research and Writing

Course Description

Continues to develop writing skills focusing on legal memoranda preparation. Additionally, students develop skills in conducting legal research. Topics include: legal bibliography and research methodology, legal memoranda preparation, and substantive law research.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Legal Bibliography and Research Methodology

Class

1

Legal Memoranda Preparation

D. Lab

0

Substantive Law Research

P. Lab/O.B.I.

13

 

Credit

5

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

PLS 103

Corequisite:

ENG 193

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

LEGAL BIBLIOGRAPHY ANDRESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3

0

0

Overview of research methodology and legal bibliography

Explain how to conduct legal research.

 

 

 

LEGAL MEMORANDAPREPARATION

6

0

99

Memoranda drafting

Identify appropriate format requirements for writing a memorandum of law.

 

 

 

 

Use format requirements for writing a memorandum of law.

 

 

 

 

Cite legal authorities according to A Uniform System of Citation.

 

 

 

 

Express legal analysis in a clear, concise writing style.

 

 

 

 

Use various types of legal authority in preparing a memorandum of law.

 

 

 

SUBSTANTIVE LAW RESEARCH

1

0

31

Law research

Perform research in any substantive area of the law.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Suggested Resources include textbooks shown below or most current edition.

 

Books

Dernbach, J. C., & Singleton, R. V. (1981). A practical guide to legal writing and legal method. Littleton, CO: Rothman.

Harvard Law Review Association. (1986). A uniform system of citation (14th ed.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University.

Jacobstein, J. M., & Mersky, R. M. (1978). Legal research illustrated: An abridgement of fundamentals of legal research (abr. ed.). Mineola, NY: Foundation Pr.

Squires, L. B., & Rombauer, M. D. (1982).  Legal writing in a nutshell. St. Paul: West.

 

Journals

ABA Journal

American Lawyer

Fulton County Daily Report

Georgia State Bar Journal

Legal Economics

Legal Professional

National Paralegal Professional

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