Information Resources in Law
[17:610:546]
Pre-requisites: 17:610:540 or permission of the instructor Description: An introduction to legal materials, focusing on federal and New Jersey research. Synopsis:
Course Objectives
At the end of the course the student will be able to:
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Comprehend and construct legal citations
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Locate texts by citation
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Describe the three branches of government and legal materials associated with each
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Use and explain major legal reference tools and sources
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Understand the organization and functions of all types of law libraries
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Navigate online legal research systems
Organization of the Course
| ___Week___ |
Schedule |
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Week 1 |
Introduction to law, the legal system, legal materials and law librarianship
Finding the Law c.1
AALL Brochure: "Finding Your Way in the Information Age" |
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Week 2 |
Court system and case law
Finding the Law c.2
Introductory Assignment due |
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Week 3 |
New Jersey court system and cases; case finding tools
Finding the Law c.4
Axel-Lute, c.6
Problem Set #1 due |
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Week 4 |
Secondary sources: ALR, encyclopedias and periodicals
Finding the Law c.10
Problem Set #2 due |
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Week 5 |
Updating; research problem walk-through; discussion of research guide assignment
Finding the Law, c.3
Problem Set #3 due |
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Week 6 |
Legislative process, laws and statutes
Finding the Law c.5, c.7
Axel-Lute c.2
Problem Set #4 due |
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Week 7 |
Legislative history
Finding the Law c.6
Axel-Lute, c.19
Class presentations of law library visits; written paper due |
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Week 8 |
Executive branch and administrative law
Finding the Law c.8
Axel-Lute, c.4, c.10
Problem Set #5 due |
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Week 9 |
More secondary sources: treatises, dictionaries, directories, codes of professional responsibility
Legal Research in a Nutshell c.2
Problem Set #6 due |
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Week 10 |
Computer assisted legal research
Westlaw training |
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Week 11 |
CALR Wrap up
Lexis Training |
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Week 12 |
Looseleaf services, newsletters and practice materials
Finding the Law c.9
Problem Set #7 due |
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Week 13 |
International law
Legal Research in a Nutshell c.11, c.12
Research guide due
Problem Set #8 due |
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Week 14 |
Reference and research issues in law libraries
Panel discussion
Finding the Law c.11
Madison Mosley, Jr., "The Authorized Practice of Legal Reference Service", Law Library Journal, v.87, #1, p.203. |
Major Assignments
All assignments are due at the beginning of class and should be neat and easy to read. Grades on late assignments are subject to lowering up to one full letter. Regular attendance and class participation are encouraged and will be rewarded.
Problem sets will be due one week after assigned. In this course, the process of obtaining the answer is as important as the answer. In many instances, answers may be found in more than one source. When possible, check several sources, try to resolve any discrepancies, indicate where answers were found and choose the one you consider the most authoritative. Put together a brief research trail describing how you found the answer. For example, note what index and terms were used successfully. Try to evaluate resources as you use them and share your observations in class. Always remember to read introductory material such as the preface or "how to use" section. Refer to your citations list in preparing your answers. All problem sets will be reviewed in class.
Methods of Assessment
|
Problem sets |
Due at times specified |
45% |
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Law library visit |
Due Week7 |
15% |
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Research guide |
Due Week13 |
30% |
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Class participation |
___ |
10% |
Bibliography
Robert C. Berring and Elizabeth A. Edinger, Finding the Law, 12th ed.
Morris L. Cohen and Kent C. Olsen, Legal Research in a Nutshell, 8th ed.
Several chapters from the following will be assigned for New Jersey material: Paul Axel-Lute, New Jersey Legal Research Handbook 4th ed. (Found in Morris County Library's reference collection, available in most NJ libraries.)
Other readings noted on the syllabus will be made available to students. Supplemental readings may be added during the course. All assigned materials should be read prior to the class session.
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