LEGL 238 - Legal Research

Credits: 3 hours
This course aims to introduce students to the basic principles of legal research. Students will develop legal research skills by learning how to formulate a research plan, identify and consult secondary legal materials, interpret legal citations, locate, expand, and update relevant primary legal materials, and assess research progress to determine the next steps in their legal research process.

Course Objectives:

Understand and analyze the main categories and functions of secondary authorities.

Understand and analyze the function and relevant concepts pertaining to the state and federal reporters, statutes, and digests.

Understand the components of a proper legal citation.

Analyze and evaluate appropriate research tools.

Understand, analyze, and evaluate the basics of research strategy using case law, statutory law, and electronic resources

Prerequisite(s): LEGL 133