LAW-2049 Massachusetts Legal Research
This is an advanced legal research class that will cover resources specific to Massachusetts practice. Resources covered will include primary sources (cases, statutes, regulations, administrative decisions, etc.), secondary sources (practice materials, treatises, law review articles, etc.), and research tools like citators and West's Key Number system. Large, comprehensive databases like Westlaw Edge and Lexis Advance will be covered, as well as specialized databases like those from the Social Law Library, MCLE, and Fastcase. The course will also cover research planning and strategy to promote cost-effective and efficient research. The class will be taught fully online and asynchronously, with no in-person or synchronous online meetings. Students will have weekly deadlines to complete assigned readings and view assigned presentations and will be required to interact regularly with each other and with the instructor in the online discussion forum to show their understanding of concepts from the readings/presentations. Students who enroll in this class must be prepared for the unique demands of an online legal research course. To help you evaluate your own preparedness for this type of class consider the following characteristics and resources needed for success. Students must be able to devote approximately 6 hours of work to the course each week, with more time needed for the final project at the end of the semester. Students must have good time management skills as assignments are due each and every week. Students must be self-motivated as they will be working on most assignments on their own. Reliable computer and internet access are essential, as is the ability to communicate well in writing and a willingness to participate in online discussions. And because of the amount of legal research involved, a genuine interest in improving your research skills and learning about Massachusetts sources is important. The grade for the course will be based on assignments, quizzes, participation, and research projects.