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    School of Law
   
 
  Jul 28, 2025
 
2011-2012 School of Law Bulletin 
    
2011-2012 School of Law Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

LAWS 562 - Advanced Legal Research|

Credits: 2

The purpose of this course is to teach advanced methods of legal research. It is designed to build upon the legal research training received in the first year, with a focus on the sophisticated use of both primary and secondary sources. A major emphasis of the course will be on the practical research tools and techniques used by attorneys in typical client situations. Significant attention will be paid to the use of Westlaw, Lexis, and other specialized legal databases, as well as sources of information that lie outside the Law Library including non-legal information resources (social science) and online databases. We will consider how these systems, along with other media, are integrated with traditional legal research. The course will also examine the utilization of legal research tools such as federal and state regulatory publications, loose-leaf services, journals, and treatises. The class may briefly cover additional research sources for some specific topic areas, if the class decides for this option. Research problems requiring use of the Law Library’s resources will be assigned periodically. Students will also write a substantial paper, electronic pathfinder, or other approved project on the legal literature, information sources, and research methodology in a given area. The subject of the project will be chosen by the student with the approval of the professors.

Prerequisites: Legal Research

Basis of Grade: Written assignments and project

Form of Grade: Letter Grade