CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHATTANOOGA, TN BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION COURSE SYLLABUS LA 130 01 Legal Research ONGROUND Instructor: Paul Ray Class Hours/Credit Hours: 3/3 Office/Phone: Main Campus Omn F-54 / 697-5587 Semester: Fall 2010 Email: via elearn Time/Room: MW 12:30 2:15 Omni B-119 Catalog Course Description A study of the sources of law found in the legal library; focus on legal research and acquisition of research case briefing and analytical skills. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Entry Level Standards: Must be at college level in reading, and DSPW 0700 in writing. Textbook/Materials: Tepper, Pamela R. and Bevans, Neal R. Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals. McGraw-Hilla, New York, NY: 2009. Supplemental Website: A supplemental website within ChSCC elearn will be utilized for communication and other activities associated with the. Students must be competent in uploading assignments to drop boxes located within the supplemental site, and taking an online quiz, if required. I. Program and Course Student learning Outcomes Assessed: PSLO1: Locate Sources of Law, using both printed and online resources. CSLO 1. Describe the state and federal court system and the jurisdiction of each court CSLO 2. Understand legal terminology and concepts needed in order to accomplish legal research CSLO 3. Demonstrate an understanding of how legal ethics apply to legal research. CSLO 8. Demonstrate the ability to organize search terms for a Lexis search CSLO9. Demonstrate the ability to check whether a case has been questioned or overruled. PSLO2: Use and understand legal terminology. CSLO 2. Understand legal terminology and concepts needed in order to accomplish legal research CSLO 3. Understand how to ify legal sources as primary and secondary authority PLSO3: Demonstrate knowledge of court system structures and policies. CSLO 1. Describe the state and federal court system and the jurisdiction of each court CSLO 3. Demonstrate an understanding of how legal ethics apply to legal research.. PLSO4: Demonstrate proficiency in office software. 1 P age
CSLO10. Demonstrate the ability to produce a typed work product and upload a document and digital photo to an internet site. PLSO5: Prepare legal documents and forms. CSL07 Demonstrate the ability to analyze and brief a court opinion PLSO6: Draft cover letters, briefs, and memos. CSL07 Demonstrate the ability to analyze and brief a court opinion PLSO7: Conduct client and witness interviews. This PLSO is not addressed on the Legal research course. PSLO8: Apply ethics in a legal environment. CSLO 3. Demonstrate an understanding of how legal ethics apply to legal research. PSLO9: Apply communication skills in a legal setting. CSL07 Demonstrate the ability to analyze and brief a court opinion II. Assessments Tests (Top 2 Grades of 3 Tests) 40% of Final Grade Student will demonstrate mastery of material through matching, multiple choice and short answer questions directly related to the appropriate student learning outcomes as identified for each section of the course. Two of three tests must be taken. If all three are taken, the lowest grade will be dropped. Test 1 The first test covers: The Legal System, Sources of the Law, Case law and Understanding and Briefing of case Decisions, and basic citations. (CSLO 1-2, 4-6). Test 2 The second test covers: Researching Constitutions, Statutes, and Administrative Rules and Regulations, Legal Research Finding Tools, and Updating the Law: Shepard s Citations and KeyCite. (CSLO 2, 3, 8, 9). Test 3 This is a comprehensive exam. (CSLO 1-6, 8, 9). Research Exercises 50% There will be a series of written assignment, most of which require research using books located in the campus library. The purpose of the assignments will be to train the student to use the Key Number System of West Publishing Company, the Reporter System, Legal Encyclopedias, and other legal resources of the library. Some exercises will focus on such skills as citation of legal sources by using the Bluebook, and writing a law office letter, properly formatted. One assignment will be dropped. (CSLO 1, 2, 3,8, 9 ). Document Uploading Assignment 5% Student will word process a one page assignment and upload the document and a digital photo to an internet site. Memorandum Assignments 5% The written assignments will be a memorandum of law. III. ALIGNMENT OF ASSESSMENTS WITH COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: 2 P age
CSLO1 CSLO2 CSLO3 CSLO4 CSLO5 CSLO6 CSLO7 CSLO8 CSLO9 CSLO10 Test 1, 3 Tests 1, 2, 3, All Asmts, Test 2,3 Written Asmts Written Asmts Written Asmts Test 2 Test 1, 2, 3, Online Research Asmt., Legal Memo Asmt Test 2, 3, Legal Memo Asmt Uploading Asmt, Legal Memo Asmt IV. Topics Week Topic (Topic timing will be adjusted as needed) Ch Assignments 1 Overview; elearn, The American Legal System 1 Read, Check elearn for messages 2 The Sources of the Law; Introduction to the Law Library; Brief Introduction to the Bluebook 2 Read, Check elearn for messages 3 More on Sources of Law 2 Read, Check elearn for messages 4 Case Law and Reporters; More on the law library 3 Read, Check elearn for messages 5 Understanding and Briefing of case Decisions 4 Read, Check elearn for messages 6 Review for Test 1 (Chapters 1-4 and citations) Read, Check elearn for messages 7 Researching Constitutions, Statutes, and Administrative Rules and Regulations 5 Read, Check elearn for messages 8 Continuation of Ch. 5 Materials 5 Read, Check elearn for messages 9 Legal Research Finding Tools 6 Read, Check elearn for messages 10 More on the Bluebook Read, Check elearn for messages 11 Updating the Law: Shepard s Citations and KeyCite 7 Read, Check elearn for messages 12 Court Tour Week 12 (depending on scheduling) Read, Check elearn for messages 13 Introduction to Online Research; Online Search 8 Read, Check elearn for messages 3 P age
Techniques: Learning the Methods 14 Reviewing the concepts. Test 2 (Chapters 5-7 and Citations) Final TBA Test 3 is comprehensive. Read, Check elearn for messages Approximately three hours will be devoted to legal ethics, including but not limited to the following topics: ABA Model Rule 1.3 Diligence, 1.6 Confidentiality of Information, 1.7 & 1.8 Conflicts of Interest, 5.3 Responsibilities to non-lawyer Assistant, 5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law, 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services, 6.3 Membership in Legal Service Organizations, 7.5 Firm Name and Letterhead V. Assessment Written Assignments 50% Tests (2 of 3) 40% Uploading Asmt. 5% Legal Memorandum 5% VI. Grading Scale A: 90% - 100% B: 80% - 89% C: 70% - 79% D: 65% - 69% F: Below 65% VII. Course Delivery Format This utilizes the Standard Format: This format is the traditional format and may use an online format to provide access to static materials which include the syllabus, course material, contact information, and presentations. Faculty will make available when requested a copy of syllabus and any other instructor provided course materials, including their contact information. Faculty may require on-line activities and assignments to include on-line tests and submission of all written and online communications. The extent of online activities/assignments may vary by course but will be specified on the syllabus. In this course, expect that some quizzes will be online and written assignments will be submitted online through elearn. VIII. College Policies This is governed by the policies and procedures stated in the current Chattanooga State Student Handbook. Additional or more specific guidelines may apply. ADA Statement Students who have educational, psychological, and/or physical disabilities may be eligible for accommodations that provide equal access to educational programs and activities at Chattanooga State. These students should notify the instructor immediately, and should contact Disabilities Support Services (S- 113, phone 697-4452) within the first two weeks of the semester in order to discuss individual needs. The student must provide documentation of the disability so that reasonable accommodations can be requested in a timely manner. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements in order to receive a passing grade in a, with or without reasonable 4 P age
Policy Regarding Disruptive Students The term room disruption means student behavior a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly interfering with the conduct of a. A student who persists in disrupting a will be directed by the faculty member to leave the room for the remainder of the period. The student will be told the reason(s) for such action and given an opportunity to discuss the matter with the faculty member as soon as practical. The faculty member will undertake prompt consultation with the Division Dean and the College Judicial Officer. If a disruption is serious, and other reasonable measures have failed, the may be adjourned, and the campus police summoned. Also, if you are concerned about the conduct of another student please see your teacher, department head, or division dean. Affirmative Action Students who feel that he or she has not received equal access to educational programming should contact the college affirmative action officer. Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam, to submit as one s own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person, or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions, which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or zero for an activity or to assign an F for the course. IX. Instructor Policies The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus in writing during the course of the semester. Computer Requirements This requires use of word processing and access to the Internet, specifically Chattanooga State s elearn system. The college offers computer labs for student use and computers are also available in the CSTCC Library. Written assignments are required to be typed in a 12 font size and/or word processed in one of the following formats: doc format, docx format, or rich text format. Research is required for this and often use of the Internet will be required for this research. The Chattanooga State Library requires use of computers to search their databases and other on-site reference materials. If you have any concerns or questions regarding these requirements, please see the instructor. If sending email, please utilize the elearn email system. Attendance and participation Attendance and participation are critical to success in the legal world. You are expected to be in and on time. You are expected to read the text and any additional materials ahead of time and be prepared for discussions. If for any reason you cannot attend, please be sure to obtain notes from a student who attended and check elearn for any possible announcements regarding assignments. You are responsible for assignments given in, date changes regarding tests and assignment due dates, corrections presented regarding materials presented in, and any other information presented in. Students are encouraged to get the names and contact information of at least two students in order to get copies of notes missed during the lecture. Submission of Coursework All written assignments, the course project and other assigned work must be submitted via the appropriate course website drop box in elearn. Class exercise preparation, instructions for written assignments and the project, as well as other relevant announcements regarding course work and/or related activities will be posted in elearn on the 5 P age
course website. Communication between Class Meetings You are encouraged to contact the instructor as needed between meetings. This contact can be in person during regularly scheduled office hours or by appointment, or by email within elearn. Phones, Laptops, and Recording Devices: Please turn off cell phones during time. If you need to be contacted in an emergency situation, your party may call the Division Office at 697-4441 or the campus operator at 697-4400. Laptops are allowed for note taking but may not be used for internet surfing or other activities during time. Recording devices are not allowed unless approved through disabilities support services. Any violation of these policies will be considered disruptive behavior Etiquette and the Legal Profession: The legal profession is the most rigid in terms of having good manners. This is something that all of us (instructor and students) need to work on daily. Use of laptops or cell phones during to surf the net or text family members and friends is not allowed. If you text in or search the web, or play a game on the computer in, you will be asked to leave the and not return until a meeting can be scheduled with the instructor. If you believe that an emergency call will come to you due to special circumstances, notify the instructor before and also the front desk in the dean s Office of the B-Wing to make arrangements to be notified in if that call comes. The front desk is 697-4441. Seek the telephone number for security for night es so that a family member can reach you in case of an emergency. Electronic Mail or E-Mail Electronic mail or "e-mail" is considered an official method of communication to and from Chattanooga State students, staff and faculty members. The College sends official communications via e-mail with the full expectation that these groups of individuals will receive and read these e-mails in a timely fashion. For Students: This procedure ensures that all students enrolled have access to this form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized channel by Chattanooga State faculty and staff as needed. Communications sent via the College-provided e-mail system (TigerMail) may include notification of Chattanooga State information including, but not limited to, admissions, enrollment services, advising, financial aid, etc. Official College e-mail accounts (TigerMail) will be created automatically by the College within two (2) college business days of receipt of an admission application along with $15 application fee. A student must remain enrolled in an appropriate (i.e., if the student fails to pay tuition or is otherwise legitimately dropped from the, the e-mail account may be removed). A letter will be mailed to the home address listed on the application with the user name and password, as well as, an email sent to the email address listed on the application. E-mail accounts will be discontinued if a student is not enrolled for two consecutive full terms. Students are expected to read and respond as appropriate to their Chattanooga State official e- mail (TigerMail) on a frequent and consistent basis. The College recommends checking e-mail daily since certain communication may be time-sensitive. A link to access TigerMail is located on the Chattanooga State webpage at www.chattanoogastate.edu Chattanooga State offices cannot validate that a communication sent by e-mail is from a student unless it comes from a valid College e-mail (TigerMail) address. If students make queries to Chattanooga State administrative offices or faculty from "nickname" e-mail accounts (e.g., hotmail.com, cfl.rr.com, etc.), such queries may not be received and/or students may be asked to resubmit such queries using an official Chattanooga State e-mail address. 6 P age
Inquiries from students requesting information regarding their official student account/records/financial aid/fees, etc., must be submitted via the official college email account (TigerMail). All replies to inquiries will be sent to official Chattanooga State e-mail accounts, regardless of how it was submitted. If you are having difficulty accessing your TigerMail account, you may contact the Chattanooga State Computer Operations Help Desk at 423-697-3375. Curriculum Issues: Advising Notes: (If any of this information conflicts with requirements listed within the catalogue, the catalogue controls) 1. A student is sometimes required to take transitional or developmental courses in Math or English, for example, to bring that student up to college level in that subject. While a student may be allowed to enroll in some college level courses without completing these transitional/developmental courses, many courses in this major, as well as many general education courses, do require that such transitional/developmental courses be satisfactorily completed before a student may be enrolled. Students are advised to complete any such transitional/developmental courses as soon as possible in order to progress through the curriculum without undue delay. You must be college-level (no transitional course requirements) in all LA courses, with the following exceptions: There is no math requirement and only a DSPW 0700 transitional studies prerequisite for LA 110, 130, 210, 220, 230, and 290. See your advisor if you have questions. 2. Students are advised to consult the college catalogue regarding graduation residency requirements. Students must earn their final twenty college level credit hours at Chattanooga State. Credit hours accumulated while enrolled as a Special Student are not applicable to the final twenty-four semester hours required for an associate degree. Be sure your official record reflects the correct major. 3. Students who have declared paralegal studies as their major are automatically assigned an advisor. It is advantageous to the student to seek advising from paralegal faculty members since they are most familiar with relevant course offerings and matters which could impact the student s progress toward graduation. 4. All students taking LA 135 will have to pass a typing test (35 WPM) in order to be in the legal writing. It would be a good idea to get a software program and start working on your touchtyping speed before spring semester. Some keys will be covered for the test. Incompletion of Course Requirements: The instructor will not generally give an incomplete at the end of the semester. If a verified medical reason, for example, merits an extension, and the student has a passing grade at that point in the semester, the instructor reserves the right to give an incomplete, but all work must be in before the tenth day of the very next semester. Any incomplete becomes an F if the grade is not changed, and the student has the responsibility to get the work in on time without prompting by the instructor. 7 P age