Description:

This course is a continuation of LAW 131-Legal Research and Writing I. In this course, the student will learn how to use Westlaw to perform legal research. The student will learn how to analyze and apply relevant legal authority to a specific legal problem, and how to communicate their results and conclusions in a professional legal document. Numerous opportunities will be provided for skill development. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify how a paralegal’s advanced research and writing skills will be utilized by the employer.
2. Demonstrate improved legal research skills, including the analysis and application of research results.
3. Communicate research conclusions in clear and effective written form.
4. Demonstrate effective and accurate legal writing skills, including: a) Mastery of English grammar, punctuation and spelling; b) Techniques for organizing written communication; c) Ability to communicate written ideas clearly to different audiences, including laypersons, clients and other legal professionals; d) Strategies for development of clear, concise writing style; e) Application of persuasive writing techniques.
5. Revise, reorganize, edit and proofread legal writing.
6. Read, analyze and apply statutory law and determine legislative intent.
7. Read, analyze and brief judicial opinions.
8. Identify the legal reasoning within a judicial opinion, including: a) Following precedent; b) Distinguishing precedent; c) Overruling precedent.
9. Identify similarities and dissimilarities between previously decided precedent and current legal problems, and be able to argue by analogy or policy the applicability of the precedent to the current problem.
10. Use deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning to analyze legal problems.
11. Plan and execute well-written and well-analyzed legal documents.
12. Draft client letters, advocacy letters, opinion letters and memoranda of law.
13. List and use persuasive writing techniques.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Mechanics of Writing
   A. Identify the purpose of various documents.
   B. Identify and distinguish between various audiences, including legal
professionals and laypersons.
   C. Edit documents to correct grammar and punctuation errors.
   D. Break a document into appropriate paragraphs.

II. Legal Research Review
   A. Identify and distinguish between primary and secondary sources of
law.
   B. Cite case law and statutory law correctly using Blue Book citation
form.
   C. Analyze and brief an appellate court opinion.
   D. Identify and locate relevant authority.

III. Statutory and Case Law Analysis
   A. Break a statute down into its elements.
   B. Annotate a rule of law.
   C. Write a proof of a conclusion of law.
   D. Develop a rule of law through case analysis.
   E. Synthesize a rule of law from several cases

IV. Legal Memorandum
   A. Identify determinative, explanatory and coincidental facts presented
by a hypothetical situation.
   B. Write a concise fact statement presented by a hypothetical
situation.
   C. Identify and write the legal issues presented by a set of
hypothetical facts.
   D. Research and write a brief answer to legal issues presented by a set
of hypothetical facts.
   E. Identify and apply relevant case law and statutory law relevant to a
set of hypothetical facts.
   F. Write a legal memorandum which discusses and predicts the outcome of
a hypothetical legal problem.

V. Legal Correspondence
   A. Identify and distinguish between correspondence to clients and
correspondence written on behalf of clients.
   B. Write an opinion letter to a client.
   C. Write a demand letter on behalf of a client.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

   8 Assignments   120 points
   3 Tests         130 points
   1 Memo           50 points

   Grading Criteria:
   90-100% = A   
   80- 89% = B
   70- 79% = C
   60- 69% = D
   Below 60% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.