LGL411 - Legal Research and Writing

Subject Title
Legal Research and Writing

Subject Description
This subject provides students with an introduction to legal research and basic techniques of good legal writing. Students develop the skills necessary to analyze simple legal problems and to research basic legal questions. Students learn how to find and update primary sources of law using both paper and computerized sources. Students learn how to read, interpret and apply statutes, regulations and cases. Emphasis is placed on Ontario and federal law.

Credit Status
This is a credit subject applicable towards the Seneca Law Clerk, Paralegal and Court and Tribunal Administration Programs offered through the School of Legal and Public Administration and the Seneca Law Clerk and the Paralegal Diploma Programs offered through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Identify the differences between primary and secondary sources of law.

2. Demonstrate a familiarity with statutes and regulations and the research tools used to find and update Ontario and federal statutes and regulations.

3. Demonstrate an ability to research and update statutes and regulations through paper and electronic means.

4. Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply statutes and regulations.

5. Demonstrate a familiarity with case law and the research tools used to find and note up Canadian case law.

6. Demonstrate an ability to research and update cases through paper and electronic means.

7. Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply cases.

8. Use several secondary sources of legal materials, including the Canadian Encyclopedic Digest, the Canadian Abridgment, LawSource, and other computerized sources.

9. Formulate keyword searches using Boolean search concepts and strategies.

10. Understand legal citations for both paper and computerized sources.

11. Analyze a simple fact situation and identify the relevant legal issues.

12. Formulate research strategies using both paper and computerized sources.

13. Formulate answers to basic legal questions using appropriate research tools and techniques.

14. Demonstrate a familiarity with the principles of good legal writing.

15. Demonstrate an ability to find legal resources on the Internet.

16. Demonstrate an ability to work in groups.

17. Demonstrate an attitude of professionalism, as evidenced by an ability to meet deadlines, complete assignments and perform tests and in-class assignments as scheduled.

18. Demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes related to essential employability skills:

a. communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience

b. respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication

c. apply a systematic approach to solve problems

d. use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems

e. locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems

f. analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources

g. show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others

h. interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals

i. manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects

j. take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences

Cheating and Plagiarism
Each student should be aware of the College's policy regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. Seneca's Academic Policy will be strictly enforced.

To support academic honesty at Seneca College, all work submitted by students may be reviewed for authenticity and originality, utilizing software tools and third party services. Please visit the Academic Honesty site on http://library.senecacollege.ca for further information regarding cheating and plagiarism policies and procedures.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecacollege.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.