Official Course Description:   MCCCD Approval:  05/25/93
LAS231      19936-20005	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Legal Writing I
Drafting of complaints, briefs, and memoranda. Emphasis on precision and accuracy in word selection and other elements of an effective legal writing style. Prerequisites: ENG101, LAS101, or permission of department chairperson or program director/coordinator.

Go to Competencies    Go to Outline
 

MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
LAS231   19936-20005	Legal Writing I

1.	Explain the importance of proper word selection. (I)
2.	Identify the elements of effective legal writing. (II)
3.	Develop an effective statement of the facts. (III)
4.	Develop an effective statement of the issue. (IV)
5.	Develop a persuasive discussion of the law. (V)
6.	Draft a well-written complaint. (VI)

Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies
 

MCCCD Official Course Outline:
LAS231   19936-20005	Legal Writing I

I. Proper Word Selection A. Considerations that should be made when choosing a word 1. Multiple meanings 2. Word context 3. Active voice 4. Word economy B. Words and phrases to avoid 1. Legalese 2. Abstract words and phrases 3. Gobbledy-gook 4. Barbarisms that misuse a word or phrase 5. Weasel words 6. Vague references 7. Ambiguous negatives II. Effective Legal Writing Style A. Techniques 1. Parallelism 2. Placing words in best order 3. Developing clear sentences 4. Choosing connectors carefully B. Pitfalls to avoid 1. Long wind-ups 2. Mangling metaphors 3. Vague referents 4. Impossible comparisons 5. Shifts in viewpoint 6. Two different words referring to same thing C. Effective paragraph organization and development 1. Definition 2. Classification 3. Induction - deduction 4. Process 5. Illustration 6. Cause and effect 7. Comparison and contrast D. Coherence 1. Chronological development 2. Logical development 3. Transition words and phrases III. Developing a Statement of the Facts A. Purpose B. Examples of effective statements of facts C. What to avoid in developing a statement of facts 1. Getting lost in the pleadings 2. Irrelevant detail 3. Double negatives IV. Developing a Statement of the Issue A. Purpose of the statement of the issue B. Examples of effective statements of the issue C. Factors to consider 1. Formulation of the issue in succinct but accurate terms 2. Statement of the issue in terms of the case 3. Elimination of all unnecessary detail 4. Writing the issue in easily comprehensible form 5. Avoiding self-evident propositions 6. Writing the issue in such a manner that opposing party will accept it as accurate 7. Making statement subtly persuasive V. Developing a Discussion of the Law A. Distinction in purpose between brief and memorandum writing B. Example of good discussions of the law 1. Memorandum 2. Brief C. Factors to consider in developing a discussion of the law in a memorandum 1. Organization 2. Precision and conciseness 3. Avoidance of string citations D. Factors to donsider in writing a discussion of the law in a brief 1. Writing a persuasive argument 2. Avoiding legalisms 3. Avoiding lengthy quotes 4. Connecting the law to the facts of the case VI. Drafting a Complaint A. Formal parts of a complaint B. Examples of well-drafted complaints C. Factors to consider when drafting a complaint 1. Precision and brevity 2. Use of objective words 3. Separation of allegations 4. Distinction between evidence and legal conclusions

Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies    Go to top of Outline