PLGL225C: Legal Research and 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. 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. Students enrolled in this course will be charged a $125 fee to cover costs associated with ABA dues, Lexis/Nexis, and UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law Library.