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PLG 280 Legal Research & Writing

This course introduces the books in the law library used to find and interpret statutes, case law, and administrative regulations. Students use digests, citators, and secondary legal sources. Emphasis is on writing interoffice memoranda and other legal documents.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisites: OAT 157 and PLG 170.

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

PLG 280 Legal Research & Writing

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: OAT 157 and PLG 170.

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces the books in the law library used to find and interpret statutes, case law, and administrative regulations. Students use digests, citators, and secondary legal sources. Emphasis is on writing interoffice memoranda and other legal documents.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe the relationship of legal institutions to the legal system. (CCC 1; PGC 4)
  2. Explain the paralegal's function within the legal system. (CCC 1; PGC 1)
  3. Classify areas of legal research. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 4)
  4. Prepare correspondence, memorandums, and various legal documents. (CCC1, 5; PGC 2)
  5. Perform legal research citing legal sources. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 4)
  6. Draft a response to a supervising attorney supporting the results of an independent research project. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 2, 4)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Describe the relationship of legal institutions to the legal system.
    1. Explain how laws are organized in the federal government.
    2. Explain how laws are organized in state governments.
    3. Describe the court system in the State of Delaware.
    4. Identify sources of legal information within each institution.
  2. Explain the paralegal's function within the legal system.
    1. Describe career options that are available to the paralegal within the court system.
    2. Identify desirable personal qualities of a paralegal.
    3. Discuss the office skills necessary to succeed as a paralegal.
    4. Explain the duties found on a paralegal job description.
  3. Classify areas of legal research.
    1. Analyze the difference between procedural and substantive law.
    2. Identify primary sources for legal research.
    3. Identify and list secondary sources of legal information.
    4. List research aids that serve as finding tools.
  4. Prepare correspondence, memorandums, and various legal documents.
    1. Draft legal correspondence and memorandums.
    2. Draft various legal documents.
    3. Prepare the results of an independent research.
  5. Perform legal research citing legal sources.
    1. Perform legal research manually in a law library.
    2. Perform legal research via LexisNexis and/or Westlaw.
    3. Discuss the difference between statutes and codes.
    4. Properly cite legal resources.
  6. Draft a response to a supervising attorney supporting the results of an independent research project.
    1. Draft a legal memorandum supporting the results of legal research.
    2. Discuss problems that can be encountered when legal research fails to adequately support an issue.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Mid-Term Exam

20%

Summative: Final Exam

20%

Summative:  Final Research Evaluation Log

10%

Summative:  Writing Assignment #2 (Legal Memorandum)

20%

Formative: Writing Assignments (equally weighted)

10%

Formative: Homework/Participation (equally weighted)

20%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

PLGAASPLG

  1. Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
  2. Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
  3. Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
  4. Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
  5. Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal