S. Advanced Legal Research Techniques

The purpose of the course is to enable the students, now and later in their professional lives, to map out a coherent plan of action when asked to research a topic previously unfamiliar to them. Students should acquire a solid understanding of research tools and a frame of reference that enables them to function independently and competently in the world of legal information.

Subjects to be covered include the following: statutory and legislative materials; case law; regulations and regulatory decisions; court rules and other litigation-related publications; practice aids, treatises, forms, and other secondary sources; standard transactional documents; foreign, comparative, and international law materials; and open web resources. Generally, each class session will begin with a presentation and discussion led by that week's guest instructor, followed by hands-on research work by the students in small groups.