law5ulw usa legal research and writing
USA LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING
LAW5ULW
2017
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.
SchoolLa Trobe Law School
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorSara Smyth
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/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. Identify the principles of case briefing and legal analysis in United States jurisdictions
- Activities:
- Lectures and seminars, prescribed and recommended reading, annotated bibliography assessment requiring reading and analysis of primary and secondary legal materials.
02. Prepare a legal memorandum of advice in the style applicable to jurisdictions in the United States.
- Activities:
- Prescribed and recommended reading materials, team presentations and case studies, lecturer facilitation
03. Distinguish and demonstrate the fundamental characteristics of legal research and writing as it applies in United States# Jurisdictions.
- Activities:
- Lectures and seminars, prescribed and recommended reading, assessment requiring reading and analysis of primary and secondary legal materials, final assessment
04. Work collaboratively and effectively in groups to develop a well-structured presentation on elements of US legal research and writing.
- Activities:
- Prescribed and recommended reading materials, team presentations and case studies, lecturer facilitation
Subject options
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City Campus, 2017, Week 26-27, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSara Smyth
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 26 - 27
Five 7.0 hours block mode per study period on weekdays during the day from week 26 to week 27 and delivered via blended.
"21-27 June 2017"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| American legal research tasks (1,500 word equivalent) | To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required. | 25 | 01, 03 |
| Group presentation in class (1000 word equivalent) | Students will be in groups of three or four | 15 | 01, 02, 04 |
| One take home exam requiring preparation of a memorandum of advice (4000 word equivalent) | To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required. | 60 | 01, 02, 03 |
Melbourne, 2017, Week 26-27, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSara Smyth
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 26 - 26
Five 7.0 hours block mode per study period on weekdays during the day from week 26 to week 26 and delivered via blended.
"21-27 June 2017"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| American legal research tasks (1,500 word equivalent) | To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required. | 25 | 01, 03 |
| Group presentation in class (1000 word equivalent) | Students will be in groups of three or four | 15 | 01, 02, 04 |
| One take home exam requiring preparation of a memorandum of advice (4000 word equivalent) | To be submitted and marked online. No hard copy submission required. | 60 | 01, 02, 03 |