THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO LEGAL RESEARCH WRITING amp CASE ANALYSIS (LGL1160)
SPRING 2015
INSTRUCTOR Jennifer Rumschlag E-MAIL ien n ife r ru msch lagutoledoedu PHONE 7346937034 OFFICE HOURS By appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the functions of the law library and to develop research techniques legal analysis basic legal citation skills and writing skills through use of traditional law library materials and computerized legal research techniques
Foundations of Legal Research amp Writing by Best and Hawkins (Fifth Edition) ISBN 9781133278290
The Bluebook by Harvard Law Review (Nineteenth Edition) ISBN 9780615361161
Interactive Citation Workbook for The Bluebook A Uniform System of Citation by McGaugh Norton Hurt and Jackson (2014 Edition) ISBN 9781630435905
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to distinguish between primary and secondary legal authority and mandatory and persuasive authority Students will be able to use proper citation form Students will be able to organize facts spot issues conduct legal research analyze authority and apply the law Students will be able to draft legal documents clearly and briefly by adherence to the rudiments of successful legal writing preCiseness conCiseness simplicity and clarity Students will bel aware of ethical considerations applicable to legal research and writing
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SCHEDULE
Class No
1 January 13 Introduction and Ethical Considerations
The American System of Law
Sources of Law shy Primary and Secondary Resources
Introduction to Citation
2 January 15 Legal Reasoning and Analysis
Ethical Legal Research
Mandatory and Persuasive Authority -I- January 20 TOUR OF LAW liBRARY
4 January 22 Introduction to Utilizing the Internet for Legal Researcll
5 January 27 Secondary Sources
6 January 29 Secondary Sources
February 3 Case Law - CO Li rt Systems and Reporter System~ Citalion
8 February 5 Case Law - Reading and Briefing Cases
9 February 10 Case Law - Reading and Briefing Cases continued
10 February 12 Case Law - in class research assignment and Shepardizing
11 Febr uary 17 Client Communications
J2 February 19 Client Communications cont inued
13 February 24 Drafting Legal Memoranda - Assign Memo 1
14 February 26 Legal and Ethical Obligations
IS March 3 CONFERENCES on Memo 1
lb March 5 CONFERENCES on Memo 1
------------------------------------------- ENJ OY YOU R S PR I N G B R EAK copy ---------------------------------------------------shy17 March 17 Constitutions Statutes Regulations and Court Rules
18 March 19 Constitutions Statutes Regs and Cou rt Ru les continued
19 Marcil 24 Statutes - Reading Interpreting and ApplYing
20 March 26 Statutes - in class research a~s ignmel1t
21 March 31 Shepardizing Statutes
22 April 2 Drafting Legal Memoranda - Assign Memo 2
21 April 7 Overview of Research Process
2middot1 April 9 CONFERENCES on Merna 2
25 April 14 CONFERENCES on Memo 2
26 April 16 Final Memo
L April 21 Overvi ew of Research Process
28 April 23 Overview of Research Process contlnLled
29 April 28 Final Memo - questions and support
30 April 30 Final Memo - questions and support
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
GRADE POLICIES
Grading Scale
bull A = 90-100
bull B = 80-89
bull C=70-79
bull D = 60-69
F = lt 59
Final grades may be adjusted upwards or downwards one grade level (eg from B to B+ or from B to B-) based on attendance and classroom participation An exceptional attendance record and thoughtful contributions to class may result in an upward adjustment Unexcused absences unpreparedness unprofessional conduct in the classroom or failure to meaningfully participate in c1lass may result in a downwards adjustment
Grade Components
bull Assignments 30 total grade
ICW Assignments 10 total grade
bull Written Client Communications 10 total grade
bull Memos 1 amp 2 10 total grade
bull Final Memo 40 total grade
Assignments may be (1) posted on Blackboard and due before class or (2) given in class
CLASS POLICIES
Class Attendance Class attendance is REQUIRED Students MUST arrive to class on time and stay for the duration of class Please read The Un iversity of Toledo s Missed Class Policy
Class Preparation and Participation Students must arrive to class prepared Students are encouraged to bring their laptops tablets or other electronic devices to access online resources as required in each class session
Professionalism Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable and professional manner while in class Written communications including emails should also be respectable and professional
As~gnments
Course materials and assignments are posted on the course website through Blaakboard available at httpsblackhoardutoledoedu Students are responsible for frequently accessing the course website and checking their rockets email for the latest information assignments and materials All writing assignments must be typed unless otherwise instructed and must follow the format announced in class for the particular assignment Assignments are due on the dates listed on the course Syllabus andor Blackboard website No late assignments will be accepted
Academic Dishonesty Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated Please read The Universitys Policy Statement on Academic Dishonesty
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECTTO CHANGE
-
Copyright Notice The materials in this cou rse are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated
Americans with Disabilities Act The ADA requires that reasonable accommodations be provided for students with physical sensory cognitive systemic learning and psychiatric disabilities In accordance with the ADA and university policy if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss any necessary accommodations Please
lcontact Student Disability Services for verification of eligibility at 419-530-4981 (vOi e) or 419-530-2612 (TDD)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Ifyou encounter technical difficulties with Blackboard please contact the UT Online Help Desk at (419) 530-8835 or utdlutoledoedu The Help Desk offers extended hours in the evenings and on weekends to assist students with technical problems When calling after hours leave a detailed message including your Rocket Number and phone number and an Online Learning staff member will respond on the next business day
Technical questions related to on-campus Internet access virtual labs hardware software personal website hosting and UTAD account management can be directed to UTs IT Help Desk at (419) 530-2400 or ithelpdeskutoledoedu
LEARNER SUPPORT
The University of Toledo offers a wide range of academic and student support services that can help you succeed
eTutoring Services The Ohio eTutoring Collaborative in partnership with The University ofToledo now provides online tutoring support for all UT students eTutoring Services are offered in a wide array of subjects including Writing Math Calculus Statistics Accounting Biology Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology
eLibrary Services Portal The eLibrary is a customized gateway to UT Libraries for online students It was designed to help you locate the best online library resources without leaving Blackboard
Student Disability Services I Student Disability Services provides accommodations and support services to students with disabilities
Counseling Center The Counseling Center is the universitys primary facility for personal counseling psychotherapy and psychological outreach and consultation services The Counseling Center staff drovide counseling (individual and group) mental health and wellness programming and crisis intervention services to help students cope with the demands of college and to facilitate the development of life adjustment strategies
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SCHEDULE
Class No
1 January 13 Introduction and Ethical Considerations
The American System of Law
Sources of Law shy Primary and Secondary Resources
Introduction to Citation
2 January 15 Legal Reasoning and Analysis
Ethical Legal Research
Mandatory and Persuasive Authority -I- January 20 TOUR OF LAW liBRARY
4 January 22 Introduction to Utilizing the Internet for Legal Researcll
5 January 27 Secondary Sources
6 January 29 Secondary Sources
February 3 Case Law - CO Li rt Systems and Reporter System~ Citalion
8 February 5 Case Law - Reading and Briefing Cases
9 February 10 Case Law - Reading and Briefing Cases continued
10 February 12 Case Law - in class research assignment and Shepardizing
11 Febr uary 17 Client Communications
J2 February 19 Client Communications cont inued
13 February 24 Drafting Legal Memoranda - Assign Memo 1
14 February 26 Legal and Ethical Obligations
IS March 3 CONFERENCES on Memo 1
lb March 5 CONFERENCES on Memo 1
------------------------------------------- ENJ OY YOU R S PR I N G B R EAK copy ---------------------------------------------------shy17 March 17 Constitutions Statutes Regulations and Court Rules
18 March 19 Constitutions Statutes Regs and Cou rt Ru les continued
19 Marcil 24 Statutes - Reading Interpreting and ApplYing
20 March 26 Statutes - in class research a~s ignmel1t
21 March 31 Shepardizing Statutes
22 April 2 Drafting Legal Memoranda - Assign Memo 2
21 April 7 Overview of Research Process
2middot1 April 9 CONFERENCES on Merna 2
25 April 14 CONFERENCES on Memo 2
26 April 16 Final Memo
L April 21 Overvi ew of Research Process
28 April 23 Overview of Research Process contlnLled
29 April 28 Final Memo - questions and support
30 April 30 Final Memo - questions and support
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
GRADE POLICIES
Grading Scale
bull A = 90-100
bull B = 80-89
bull C=70-79
bull D = 60-69
F = lt 59
Final grades may be adjusted upwards or downwards one grade level (eg from B to B+ or from B to B-) based on attendance and classroom participation An exceptional attendance record and thoughtful contributions to class may result in an upward adjustment Unexcused absences unpreparedness unprofessional conduct in the classroom or failure to meaningfully participate in c1lass may result in a downwards adjustment
Grade Components
bull Assignments 30 total grade
ICW Assignments 10 total grade
bull Written Client Communications 10 total grade
bull Memos 1 amp 2 10 total grade
bull Final Memo 40 total grade
Assignments may be (1) posted on Blackboard and due before class or (2) given in class
CLASS POLICIES
Class Attendance Class attendance is REQUIRED Students MUST arrive to class on time and stay for the duration of class Please read The Un iversity of Toledo s Missed Class Policy
Class Preparation and Participation Students must arrive to class prepared Students are encouraged to bring their laptops tablets or other electronic devices to access online resources as required in each class session
Professionalism Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable and professional manner while in class Written communications including emails should also be respectable and professional
As~gnments
Course materials and assignments are posted on the course website through Blaakboard available at httpsblackhoardutoledoedu Students are responsible for frequently accessing the course website and checking their rockets email for the latest information assignments and materials All writing assignments must be typed unless otherwise instructed and must follow the format announced in class for the particular assignment Assignments are due on the dates listed on the course Syllabus andor Blackboard website No late assignments will be accepted
Academic Dishonesty Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated Please read The Universitys Policy Statement on Academic Dishonesty
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECTTO CHANGE
-
Copyright Notice The materials in this cou rse are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated
Americans with Disabilities Act The ADA requires that reasonable accommodations be provided for students with physical sensory cognitive systemic learning and psychiatric disabilities In accordance with the ADA and university policy if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss any necessary accommodations Please
lcontact Student Disability Services for verification of eligibility at 419-530-4981 (vOi e) or 419-530-2612 (TDD)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Ifyou encounter technical difficulties with Blackboard please contact the UT Online Help Desk at (419) 530-8835 or utdlutoledoedu The Help Desk offers extended hours in the evenings and on weekends to assist students with technical problems When calling after hours leave a detailed message including your Rocket Number and phone number and an Online Learning staff member will respond on the next business day
Technical questions related to on-campus Internet access virtual labs hardware software personal website hosting and UTAD account management can be directed to UTs IT Help Desk at (419) 530-2400 or ithelpdeskutoledoedu
LEARNER SUPPORT
The University of Toledo offers a wide range of academic and student support services that can help you succeed
eTutoring Services The Ohio eTutoring Collaborative in partnership with The University ofToledo now provides online tutoring support for all UT students eTutoring Services are offered in a wide array of subjects including Writing Math Calculus Statistics Accounting Biology Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology
eLibrary Services Portal The eLibrary is a customized gateway to UT Libraries for online students It was designed to help you locate the best online library resources without leaving Blackboard
Student Disability Services I Student Disability Services provides accommodations and support services to students with disabilities
Counseling Center The Counseling Center is the universitys primary facility for personal counseling psychotherapy and psychological outreach and consultation services The Counseling Center staff drovide counseling (individual and group) mental health and wellness programming and crisis intervention services to help students cope with the demands of college and to facilitate the development of life adjustment strategies
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
GRADE POLICIES
Grading Scale
bull A = 90-100
bull B = 80-89
bull C=70-79
bull D = 60-69
F = lt 59
Final grades may be adjusted upwards or downwards one grade level (eg from B to B+ or from B to B-) based on attendance and classroom participation An exceptional attendance record and thoughtful contributions to class may result in an upward adjustment Unexcused absences unpreparedness unprofessional conduct in the classroom or failure to meaningfully participate in c1lass may result in a downwards adjustment
Grade Components
bull Assignments 30 total grade
ICW Assignments 10 total grade
bull Written Client Communications 10 total grade
bull Memos 1 amp 2 10 total grade
bull Final Memo 40 total grade
Assignments may be (1) posted on Blackboard and due before class or (2) given in class
CLASS POLICIES
Class Attendance Class attendance is REQUIRED Students MUST arrive to class on time and stay for the duration of class Please read The Un iversity of Toledo s Missed Class Policy
Class Preparation and Participation Students must arrive to class prepared Students are encouraged to bring their laptops tablets or other electronic devices to access online resources as required in each class session
Professionalism Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable and professional manner while in class Written communications including emails should also be respectable and professional
As~gnments
Course materials and assignments are posted on the course website through Blaakboard available at httpsblackhoardutoledoedu Students are responsible for frequently accessing the course website and checking their rockets email for the latest information assignments and materials All writing assignments must be typed unless otherwise instructed and must follow the format announced in class for the particular assignment Assignments are due on the dates listed on the course Syllabus andor Blackboard website No late assignments will be accepted
Academic Dishonesty Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated Please read The Universitys Policy Statement on Academic Dishonesty
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECTTO CHANGE
-
Copyright Notice The materials in this cou rse are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated
Americans with Disabilities Act The ADA requires that reasonable accommodations be provided for students with physical sensory cognitive systemic learning and psychiatric disabilities In accordance with the ADA and university policy if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss any necessary accommodations Please
lcontact Student Disability Services for verification of eligibility at 419-530-4981 (vOi e) or 419-530-2612 (TDD)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Ifyou encounter technical difficulties with Blackboard please contact the UT Online Help Desk at (419) 530-8835 or utdlutoledoedu The Help Desk offers extended hours in the evenings and on weekends to assist students with technical problems When calling after hours leave a detailed message including your Rocket Number and phone number and an Online Learning staff member will respond on the next business day
Technical questions related to on-campus Internet access virtual labs hardware software personal website hosting and UTAD account management can be directed to UTs IT Help Desk at (419) 530-2400 or ithelpdeskutoledoedu
LEARNER SUPPORT
The University of Toledo offers a wide range of academic and student support services that can help you succeed
eTutoring Services The Ohio eTutoring Collaborative in partnership with The University ofToledo now provides online tutoring support for all UT students eTutoring Services are offered in a wide array of subjects including Writing Math Calculus Statistics Accounting Biology Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology
eLibrary Services Portal The eLibrary is a customized gateway to UT Libraries for online students It was designed to help you locate the best online library resources without leaving Blackboard
Student Disability Services I Student Disability Services provides accommodations and support services to students with disabilities
Counseling Center The Counseling Center is the universitys primary facility for personal counseling psychotherapy and psychological outreach and consultation services The Counseling Center staff drovide counseling (individual and group) mental health and wellness programming and crisis intervention services to help students cope with the demands of college and to facilitate the development of life adjustment strategies
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
-
Copyright Notice The materials in this cou rse are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated
Americans with Disabilities Act The ADA requires that reasonable accommodations be provided for students with physical sensory cognitive systemic learning and psychiatric disabilities In accordance with the ADA and university policy if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss any necessary accommodations Please
lcontact Student Disability Services for verification of eligibility at 419-530-4981 (vOi e) or 419-530-2612 (TDD)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Ifyou encounter technical difficulties with Blackboard please contact the UT Online Help Desk at (419) 530-8835 or utdlutoledoedu The Help Desk offers extended hours in the evenings and on weekends to assist students with technical problems When calling after hours leave a detailed message including your Rocket Number and phone number and an Online Learning staff member will respond on the next business day
Technical questions related to on-campus Internet access virtual labs hardware software personal website hosting and UTAD account management can be directed to UTs IT Help Desk at (419) 530-2400 or ithelpdeskutoledoedu
LEARNER SUPPORT
The University of Toledo offers a wide range of academic and student support services that can help you succeed
eTutoring Services The Ohio eTutoring Collaborative in partnership with The University ofToledo now provides online tutoring support for all UT students eTutoring Services are offered in a wide array of subjects including Writing Math Calculus Statistics Accounting Biology Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology
eLibrary Services Portal The eLibrary is a customized gateway to UT Libraries for online students It was designed to help you locate the best online library resources without leaving Blackboard
Student Disability Services I Student Disability Services provides accommodations and support services to students with disabilities
Counseling Center The Counseling Center is the universitys primary facility for personal counseling psychotherapy and psychological outreach and consultation services The Counseling Center staff drovide counseling (individual and group) mental health and wellness programming and crisis intervention services to help students cope with the demands of college and to facilitate the development of life adjustment strategies
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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