USA LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING
LAW5ULW
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students will learn the basics of the U.S. legal system, common law, case briefing and legal analysis. Students are then taught the fundamentals of legal research and writing in the American legal system. The subject will culminate in a take-home examination consisting of the drafting of an objective legal memorandum with research materials provided.
School: La Trobe Law School
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Keith Kendall
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Culture to Culture: A Guide to U.S. Legal Writing | Prescribed | Ramsfield, J | CAROLINA UNIVERSITY PRESS |
| Readings | Legal Writing: Getting It Right and Getting It Written | Recommended | Ray, M & Ramsfield, J | THOMSON WEST PUBLISHING |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Be able to identify the basics of US case briefing and legal analysis.
- Activities:
- Lectures and problem solving activities.
02. Be able to prepare a legal memorandum of advice in the US style.
- Activities:
- Team presentation/scenarios on USA Legal Research and Writing facilitated by the lecturer.
03. Distinguish and display the fundamental characteristics of legal research and writing in the American legal system.
- Activities:
- Lectures and problem solving activities.
Melbourne, 2015, Week 48-49, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Keith Kendall
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 48 - 49
Five 7.0 hours lecture per day on weekdays during the day from week 48 to week 49 and delivered via face-to-face.
"26 Nov-2 Dec"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class participation | 10 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| One 6,000-7,000- word take-home examination | 90 | 01, 02, 03 |