Discipline: Legal Assisting (Paralegal Studies) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Paralegal Studies 64


COURSE DESCRIPTION
64 Legal Research and Computer Applications Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Introduction to legal research from the perspective of the paralegal’s role in a law office including surveys of the principal law books and other materials used for legal research. Emphasis is placed on legal authority and on computer-assisted research. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Introduction to legal research with an emphasis on legal authority and computer-assisted research.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Demonstrate an acquaintance with all aspects of legal research
      including computer-assisted research.

2.   Develop a working knowledge of legal research and level of skill 
      through various applications and assignments listed below, and 
      evaluate outcomes: 

      a.   Perform research in all areas of primary and secondary legal 
            authority. 
      b.   Validate, cite, and evaluate applicability and strength of 
            the authorities located. 
      c.   Integrate research assignments with basic legal writing. 
      d.   Locate published opinions in a law library by a case name
            or citation.
      e.   Incorporate research projects into accurate, clear memoranda.

3.   Develop and critique the necessary skills for properly presenting
      the products of research.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1.  Sources of Legal Authority
  2.  Introduction to Local Law Library
  3.  Citation of Authority
  4.  Validation of Authority
  5.  Legal Analysis and Beginning the Research Process
  6.  Legal Dictionaries/Thesauruses/Encyclopedias
  7.  Statutory Authority
  8.  Judicial Authority
  9.  Administrative Authority
  10.  Restatements and Treatises
  11.  Annotated Law Reports
  12.  Legal Periodicals
  13.  Loose leaf Services
  14.  Reference Books
  15.  Computer-Assisted Research
  16.  Final Exam
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture
  • Demonstration
  • Discussion
  • Multimedia
  • Applications/Assignments
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Essays
  • Problem solving exercises
  • Applications/Assignments
  • Objective-type examinations
  • Term project/course specific computer applications
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • PRACTICAL LEGAL RESEARCH, Walston-Dunham, West Pub. Co.
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