Academic Support: SKILLS Workshop Series
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Transcript of Academic Support: SKILLS Workshop Series
Academic Support: SKILLS Workshop Series
Fundamentals for the Study of Law
Prof Homer: [email protected] Dombrow: [email protected] Gutterud: [email protected]
Overview of Workshops
• Fundamentals of law school–Reading, briefing, outlining
• Preparing for midterms–More on outlining, essay
questions, multiple choice• Learning from midterms and
preparing for final exams–Fine tuning your outlining and test
taking skills
Before we get going… your motto:
Effective & Efficient
Suggested Study Plan- Modify to suit your needs!
Before Class During Class Post Class
Read each case at least day before, highlight
Brief each case on separate paper in IRAC
Review notes right before class
Use briefs to engage and participate in class discussion
Take class notes… with discretion and in IRAC
Stay off internet!
Review class notes immediately after class and condense into relevant info
Week 2, start outlining the material in a separate document in IRAC
Intermittently take timed practice exams and MC
Study groups/partners to discuss material, weekly or bi weekly
Law School FundamentalsIntroduction to IRAC
–Learning and thinking in IRAC –Reading in IRAC–Briefing in IRAC–Outlining in IRAC
Simple formI: Issue- what is the point of the analysis?
R: Rule- concise but accurate statement of the black letter law
A: Analysis- thorough application of the facts to the rule
C: Conclusion- short conclusion of if the elements of the rule have been met
Complex form
• Issue• Rule• Analysis
–Sub-issue–Rule–Analysis–Conclusion
• Conclusion
MINI IRAC
Example of complex form• I: Has assault occurred? • R: An assault is 1) intentional act 2) that creates
reasonable apprehension 3) of immediate 4) harm or offensive contact to P.
• A: Sub-issues:• Intent/Desire (separate IRAC)• Reasonable apprehension (IRAC)• Immediacy • Harmful or offensive (Separate IRAC)
• C: Here there is/is not an assault, BECAUSE
Think in IRAC: Reading cases in IRAC
Train yourself to think like a lawyer
Read cases in IRAC
• Be an active reader• Before reading:
– Identify the issue and/or sub-issue• Check syllabus heading (if there is one)• Check Chapter headings• Check sub-heading
As you read:
• Pay attention to the facts–Key facts versus non key facts
• Find the IRAC–Note the rule–Note the court’s application and analysis–Note the holding
• Take notes/underline
Brief cases in IRAC
Briefly describe facts and procedural history[I] State the issue[R] State the rule applied by the court[A] Summarize the court’s analysis (very important) and courts reasoning (why!)[C] Identify the holding.
HANDOUT
• Leichtman v WLW, INC.• Comprehension
Leichtman v. WLW Jacor Communications, Inc. Ct of Appeals of Ohio, 1994 Parties: ∏ Leichtman—anti-smoking advocate
∆ WLW—radio station Procedural History: Trial court dismissed the battery claim Facts: ∏ was invited to discuss the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke on WLW Radio Talk show. While in the studio another WLW host, Furman, lit a cigar and repeatedly blew smoke in ∏’s face. Issue: Did Furman’s actions constitute a battery? OR When D blew smoke in P’s face, did this constitute “offensive” behavior and “contact” enough to satisfy the elements of battery? Rule: Battery-intentional harmful or offensive contact with another Analysis/Reasoning of the court:
S. Ct Rule: “contact which is offensive to a reasonable sense of personal dignity is offensive conduct.”Offensive = “disagreeable or nauseating or painful because of outrage to taste and sensibilities or affronting insultingness”
Smoking can be considered offensive because it caused ∏ physical discomfort, humiliation and distress
Smoke=”particulate matter” capable of making contactA battery requires that the ∆ make contact with the ∏. Blowing smoke caused a contact.
Conclusion/Holding: The case is remanded to the trial court because there is a viable claim for battery.
Class
Review notes before class!Stay engaged—keep eye contact with the professorTake notes selectively—in IRAC as much as possible.Participate!Add Professor’s comments
STAY OFF THE INTERNET
GCHAT
PEREZ HILTON
DEADSPIN
GeekFill.com
$$$$
Outlining
Outline in IRAC
Intentional Torts
For chart learners
Battery
Intent
Harmful or Offensive
Harmful Offensive
Outrage to taste and sensibilities or insulting.
Leichtman
Contact
The ∆ must make contact with the ∏’s person
Doctrine of extended personality Fisher
Smoke “particulates” constitute contact Leichtman
Harm to physical person. “It’s harmful because it hurts.”
Purpose or knowledge to a substantial certainty
Measure your progress• After outlining, you should feel that you have
either:– Mastered the material (or at least come close),
or:– You are very clear on what you don’t know
• If you don’t feel that way, try something different!
Can you answer practice questions?
Ronnie goes down to his local electronics store and purchases a laser pointer for his school presentation. After his presentation is complete, he comes back to his apartment to find his roommate Sammi. Wanting to pull a practice joke on her, he hides on the other room and shines the laser pointer at her face to scare her. The laser pointer shines in Sammi’s eye for 5 seconds, which causes her severe eye trauma. One week later, Sammi loses sight in that eye. Will Ronnie be liable for battery?
To Recap
Overall Strategy for each task:
• Forethought• Performance• Reflection
Don’t forget: ADAPT
• Think about how you think and learn. • Be intentional.• VARK
Next workshop: Preparing for Midterm Exams
Section A: Thurs Sept 29 1-2, room 8Section B: Wed Sept 28 3:30-4:30, room 8Section C: Tues Sept 27 12-1, room 12Evening: Wed Sept 28 6-7, room 5
OFFICE HOURS
Building #1•T: 12-2:30 and 4-5 (and in library)•W: 9-12 and 2-4:30•TH: 9-12 (and in library)