LGL411 - Legal Research

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:15:05.037
Last review date 2023-10-19 15:00:43.587

Subject Title
Legal Research

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 about primary sources of law, including how to find and update legislation and case law using both print and online sources. Students learn how to cite, read, interpret, and apply statutes, regulations, and cases. Emphasis is placed on Ontario and federal law.

Credit Status
This is a credit course applicable towards the Law Clerk and Justice Administration Services Diploma Programs offered through the School of Legal, Public, and Office Administration, and the Paralegal Certificate Program offered through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training.

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

1. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of law.

2. Interpret statutes and regulations and, using appropriate research methods, find and update applicable Ontario and federal statutes and regulations using both print and electronic sources.

3. Interpret case law, identify the main elements of a case and, using appropriate research methods, find and update applicable Canadian case law using both print and electronic sources.

4. Assess a simple fact situation, identify its relevant legal issues and formulate an analysis of these issues by interpreting and applying the legal principles set out in relevant statutes, regulations and case law.

5. Use appropriate secondary sources of law to research basic legal issues, including the print and electronic versions of the Canadian Encyclopedic Digest and the Canadian Abridgment, Quicklaw, CanLII and other internet-based research sources.

6. Apply Boolean search concepts and strategies and develop basic keyword searches.

7. Use correct print and electronic legal citations.

8. Draft simple legal memoranda, applying the principles of good legal writing,

9. Exhibit a professional attitude, as evidenced by an ability to meet deadlines, and to complete tests, assignments, and in-class exercises as scheduled.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

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

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

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@senecapolytechnic.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 Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.