Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to access general and legal resources on the Internet and conduct electronic legal research using online and CD-ROM databases.

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. Explain the differences between print and electronic legal research.
2. Describe the fundamental aspects of the Internet.
3. Access the Internet.
4. Conduct electronic legal research using on-line legal databases.
5. Identify various legal research materials on CD-ROM.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Print Legal Research Compared to Electronic Legal Research
   A. Identify primary and secondary legal materials and resources.
   B. Explain methods for accessing print legal materials.
   C. Identify electronic legal research materials and resources.

II. The Internet
   A. Review the history of the Internet.
   B. Explain Internet terminology.
   C. Identify Internet-related tools including bookmarks/favorites and
e-mail.

III. Accessing the Internet
   A. Send and receive e-mail.
   B. Conduct general research on the Internet using bookmarks or
favorites.
   C. Demonstrate the use of the Internet by presentation.
   D. Identify legal materials and resources available on the Internet.
   E. Conduct primary and secondary legal research on the Internet using
public access websites.

IV. Electronic Research Using On-Line Legal Databases
   A. Identify major on-line legal databases such as WestLaw, Lexis-Nexis
and LOIS.
   B. Explain basic methods for accessing electronic legal materials.
   C. Conduct on-line legal research of primary and secondary legal
materials and resources.
   D. Identify specific legal and non-legal Internet resources associated
with legal research of specific legal topics.

V. CD-ROM Legal Materials
   A. Identify various CD-ROM legal materials.
   B. Perform state-specific legal researching using a CD-ROM legal
database.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

A minimum of three examinations               50% of grade
A minimum of five projects and assignments    50% of grade
                                             100%
   Grading Scale:
   90%+ =  A
   80%  =  B
   70%  =  C
   60%  =  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.