ID 420 Legal Research & Writing Fall 2012 Class Syllabus

ID 420 Legal Research & Writing (3 Credits)

Fall 2012 Course Syllabus

Successful completion of this class will provide you with working practical experience in legal advocacy writing. The focus of the course will center on THREE major themes:

·       Argument & Rhetoric – I will teach you the major components of an argument and be able to apply that knowledge to creating, deconstructing, defending or attacking an argument.

·       Legal Research & Authority – I will teach you the components, sources, branches, and types of legal authority – what is blandly labeled as “the law.”  I will also teach you how to find the law and how different legal sources interact with each other.

·       Writing – I will teach you several easy steps you can take immediately to improve your writing.  I will teach you proof reading, style, and structure of good writing.

Instructor & Office Hours

Britton Morrell, Esq. KAPLAN MORRELL 1305 8th Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 T:      (970) 356-9898 F:      (970) 356-9899 E:      lawprof@me.com  Office Hours are as follows: Wednesdays 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursdays 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Mondays and Wednesdays for the hour prior to class

I have practiced law for over 17 years representing workers in employment law matters.  I am licensed to practice law in Colorado District Court, United States Federal Court, and the Office of Administrative Courts. YOU MUST CALL AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FIRST DUE TO MY SCHEDULE.  IF YOU SHOW UP UNANNOUNCED YOU MAY NOT BE SEEN. You may also email me as needed.

 

Text

There is no commercial textbook for this class.  I will provide you with handouts via email for a nominal charge ($10.00).  All funds raised will be used to purchase pizza or other dinner for class during review sessions throughout the class.  All assignments will received by email. Toward that end IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU EMAIL ME AT LAWPROF@ME.COM AND PUT “ID420” IN YOUR SUBJECT LINE SO THAT I CAN FIND YOUR WORK I hope I have made this clear enough.

Grading & Attendance

Grading will be done on a modified curve.  The highest grade in the class will establish the top level of A.  The next 10% of students within ten percent of that score will also receive an A.  All students 11% to 20% below that score will receive a B, and so on.

Class Participation                                30%

Final Writing Sample & Exam                 35%     

April Writing Sample & Exam                 20%

March Writing Sample & Exam              10%

February Writing Sample & Exam          5%

Grading (other than Class Participation) will be done anonymously. 

Class Participation will be graded ONLY when your name is pulled and you are required to participate that class.  You are permitted ONE “Pass” per cycle.  If you are called upon and not present, it will count as your first “Pass.”  Inability to participate in a cogent, intelligent and informed manner for whatever reason will be counted as a Zero for the cycle.  Participation that reveals lack of reading will be given partial credit.  You will be called upon at least THREE cycles during semesters.  In addition I will give out various easy little assignments on a random basis that will affect your participation grade.  Finally I will occasionally provide “magic words” that will result in extra points when used in the next exam whenever I see class attendance on the wane.

Statement as to Accommodation

The University of Northern Colorado and I will make every effort to reasonably accommodate disabilities.  If you have any concerns or requests - please contact me or the Department Head.

What to Expect

You should expect to write a two to three page paper and proof read a paper each week

I will endeavor mightily to make the lecture substantively different than what you have read.  STUDENTS WHO DO NOT COME TO CLASS WILL HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS OBTAINING A GOOD EXAM SCORE.   If you are called upon you will be expected to have comments and answers that reflect that you have at least TRIED to read the material.  Questions that show you have read, but are having difficulty understanding the legal jargon are acceptable.

Exams will be a mix of essay and multiple choice.  Exams will (naturally) cover material in class and in the readings.

THIS IS NOT A CLASS TO TAKE IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT REGULARLY TO CLASS.  IN LAW SCHOOL LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING IS A YEAR LONG CLASS – WE WILL MOVE QUICKLY.