Legal Research & Writing (P)

PLGL225C - Legal Research & Writing The paralegal will be able to assist in most aspects of legal research in support of the drafting of clear and concise legal writings. Functional skills acquired in this course will include a working knowledge of federal and state statutory research including legislative history, federal and state case law reporter systems, the court systems, legal form books, law digest, case and statutory citators, legal treaties and legal periodicals. In addition, an introduction to the use of LEXIS will be included. Furthermore, the student will develop the specific writing skills necessary for the paralegal. Preparation of trial memorandum and appellate court briefs will also be covered. Emphasis will be on brevity, clarity, and precision of expression together with the refinement of editing skills. (Prerequisites: PLGL 106C, PLGL 107C and PLGL 110C or permission of department head of Paralegal Studies) A $100 fee will be assessed for all students taking PLGL 225C. This fee will cover costs associated with ABA dues, Lexis/Nexis, Franklin Pierce Law Center Library, Supreme Court Library and PLS Associate Membership.