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LAW 282 Advanced Computer-Assisted Legal Research (3)
3 hours lecture per week
Prerequisite(s): Paralegal program major; grade of “C” or higher in LAW 203. Prerequisites may be waived by instructor or Program director.
Comment: LAW 282 may not be audited.
LAW 282 trains the student in developing a working knowledge of the functions of the LEXIS and/or WESTLAW computerized legal research systems through hands-on experience with computers and through lectures regarding the theory of research methods. Both independent and group research activities are required. Coverage of other computer-based research databases is also provided. The course culminates in an independent computer-assisted research assignment.
Upon successful completion of LAW 282, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced computerized assisted legal research (CALR) techniques using a primary national computerized legal research system (Westlaw and/or Lexis).
- Analyze and apply advanced CALR techniques to common legal research applications.
- Utilize public domain and Internet resources (including the “invisible” web) to conduct legal research.
- Evaluate research techniques, tools, and sites in order to select the most cost-effective approach for each research job.
- Draft and prepare documentation incorporating research information.