Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR)

All first year law students are required to enroll in Legal Analysis, Writing and Research (LAWR) I and II. The reference librarians teach the research sessions during the academic year. The research sessions introduce the basics of legal research. First year law students will learn to use case reporters, statutes, legal citators, and secondary resources in print and online. During the second semester, focused legal research instruction will be provided for Westlaw, Lexis, and free and low cost legal research alternatives.

Advanced Legal Research (ALR)

The Reference Librarians teach Advanced Legal Research (ALR), a two credit hour skills class offered to second and third year law students. Enrollment is limited. ALR builds on the first year legal research sessions and provides second and third year students with an in-depth knowledge of American legal resources and many non-legal information sources available that are of increasing importance to the legal community. Current print and online resources will be explored for the purpose of developing more effective and efficient search techniques and to assist students in determining when to use print or online resources for their research. Topics covered in class include a review of the basic sources of legal information, techniques for accessing the desired information, and the development of personal strategies for managing information. More about Courses and Registration.

Foreign, Comparative, and International Legal Research

Foreign, Comparative, and International Legal Research is a two credit hour skills class offered to second and third year law students during the fall semester. Enrollment is limited. This course will familiarize students with treaty research, locating and identifying documents from international organizations and tribunals, and legal research in selected jurisdictions outside the United States. A variety of print and online resources and research methods in foreign and international law will be presented during class. The first half of the semester, the class focuses on public and private international law, of particular interest to students participating in the Jessup International Moot Court Competition. The remaining half of the semester, the class focuses on researching foreign law, also known as the law of other countries. More about Courses and Registration.

State Legal Research

State Legal Research classes are one credit hour skills classes offered as specialized legal research classes. The particular jurisdiction will vary by semester. Second and third year students will acquire knowledge of the legal resources available for a particular state. Current print, as well as free and low cost legal research resources will be explored for the purpose of developing efficient research techniques and to assist students in selecting the most effective formats for their research. Through a combination of lectures, class projects, and exercises students will explore sources of legal information and utilize a variety of techniques for accessing legal information. More about Courses and Registration.

Advanced Legal Research Methods in Specialized Subjects

Advanced Legal Research Methods in Specialized Subjects are one credit hour legal research skills courses. The particular topic will vary by semester. These specialized legal research courses provide second and third year students advanced legal research training in particular areas of the law. Topics include litigation and alternative dispute resolution, immigration law, federal and state legislative history, and solo practitioner research. Student will acquire knowledge of the legal resources available for particular practice areas. Both print and online resources will be used during class. More about Courses and Registration.