Textbook Bundle:
Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals, Tenth Edition by Deborah A. Bouchoux and Diane Pevar, and The Law Simulation Series: Legal Research and Writing

• Publication Date: February 22, 2024

• Edition: Tenth Edition

• ISBN: 9781543847581

• This bundle includes both print and digital versions of the textbook, along with an access code to The Law Simulation Series - Legal Research and Writing.

Students must have access to this bundle by the second week of class to complete all course assignments and simulations.

• Locate primary and secondary legal authority.
• Implement research strategies using available research tools.
• Draft legal documents.
• Analyze the ethical considerations of the paralegal relating to legal research and writing. 

Chapter Outline

• Chapter 1: Finding the Law

• Chapter 2: The Federal and State Court Systems

• Chapter 3: Statutory Law

• Chapter 4: Case Law and Judicial Opinions

• Chapter 5: Locating Cases Through Digests, Annotated Law Reports, and Words and Phrases

• Chapter 6: Encyclopedias, Periodicals, Treatises, and Restatements

• Chapter 7: Miscellaneous Secondary Authorities

• Chapter 8: Legal Citation Form

• Chapter 9: Updating and Validating Your Research

• Chapter 10: Special Research Issues

• Chapter 11: The Digital Library: Lexis+, Westlaw, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Non-Print Research Sources

• Chapter 12: E-Research: Legal Research Using the Internet

• Chapter 13: Overview of the Research Process

• Chapter 15: Strategies for Effective Writing and Electronic Communications

• Chapter 16: Legal Correspondence

• Chapter 17: Legal Memoranda

• Chapter 18: Legal Briefs

Weekly Course Schedule

Weekly Expectations

• Read the assigned chapter(s) for the week.

• View the PowerPoints for the designated chapters.

• Complete all weekly assignments in The Law Simulation Series: Legal Research and Writing - Simulation and Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.

Exams & Assignments

• All exams will open during their designated week.

• If a student fails to complete an exam before the closing date, a zero will be given unless an excused absence is provided (e.g., illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment).

• Students with excused absences must arrange with the instructor to complete a make-up exam.

• Exams may include:

  • Multiple-choice questions

  • True/False questions

  • Short answer questions

  • Essay questions

  • Fill-in-the-blank questions

Textbooks

• Students must have a copy of the required textbook or eBook no later than the second week of class (or as soon as it is available from the bookstore).

Grading

• Grades will be posted in Blackboard.

• Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades and averages; instructors will not calculate averages for students.

• Grades will not be discussed over the phone. To discuss grades, students must meet with the instructor in person during office hours or communicate via email.

Make-Up & Late Work

• Acceptance of late or make-up work is at the instructor’s discretion.
   

  Work Conditional AI Policy

  The emergence of generative AI tools has sparked interest among students in our discipline. These tools can support brainstorming, exploring possible responses, and creatively engaging with course material. While AI can provide feedback, assistive technology, and language support, it cannot replace working directly with your instructor. Please contact me in advance if you plan to use AI tools for assignments so we can clarify what is acceptable.

  Guidelines for AI Use in this Course:

  1. Attribution Required:

     • Students must give credit for any AI-assisted work, even if it is used only to generate ideas rather than final text or illustrations.

     • When AI is used in assignments, include an appendix detailing:
       a. The AI interactions, highlighting the relevant sections.
       b. How AI was used (e.g., generating ideas, refining language, exploring concepts).
       c. Why AI was used (e.g., to save time, overcome writer’s block, stimulate thinking, clarify prose).

  2. Prohibited Use:

     • AI-generated content may not be submitted as your own work for assignments, exams, or projects unless explicitly approved.

     • Use of AI in in-class examinations or for graded assignments without permission is prohibited.

  3. Responsible Use:

     • Use AI tools wisely and reflectively, with the goal of deepening your understanding of the subject matter.

     • You are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-assisted content, ensuring it does not violate academic honesty standards, intellectual property laws, or privacy regulations.

     • AI may be used for research preparation, text editing, or idea generation, but all submitted work must be written and finalized by the student.

  4. Academic Integrity:

     • Misrepresenting AI-assisted work as entirely your own constitutes academic misconduct.

     • Violations of this policy will be handled according to Lamar State College Port Arthur academic integrity policies.

  Instructor Guidance:

  • Instructors may provide specific guidance on AI use in class exercises and projects.

  • Students are encouraged to ask for clarification if unsure whether a particular use of AI is acceptable.

Academic Integrity

• Any student caught cheating or lending their work to another student will receive a zero on the assignment. Note: There is a difference between helping someone understand the work and giving them your assignment to copy.

• Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.

Student Responsibilities

• Students must regularly check their email and Blackboard Ultra for class updates, schedule changes, or announcements.

• Failure to follow written or oral instructions may result in penalties.

Technical Issues

• Blackboard Issues: Login, password, or software problems must be resolved through the IT Department. Students should inform the instructor of any delays that cannot be resolved before deadlines.

• Pearson Issues: Contact Pearson Technical Support directly. Students must notify the instructor if Pearson-related issues cause delays in coursework completion.

Attendance Policy

This is a face-to-face course that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a lab session from 10:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.

• Regular and punctual attendance is required for successful completion of the course.

• Attendance will be recorded at each class and lab session.

• Students are expected to arrive on time and remain for the entire class and lab periods.

• Active participation in class discussions, activities, and lab exercises is essential.

• If you must miss class or lab, notify the instructor in advance when possible and obtain any missed materials or assignments.

• Excessive absences or repeated tardiness may negatively impact your grade.