School of Justice and Emergency Services Research for Criminal and Civil Law 2012-2013 Program Year Legal Research and Information Management 2 Course code: RESR 1301 Con. Ed. code: Course hours: 3 GPA weighting: Prerequisite: Prepared by: Semester 1 Corequisite: Nicole Doyle Laptop course: yes no Hybrid Course Authorized by (Dean): Date: September 2012 Professor contact information: NAME EMAIL PHONE OFFICE LOCATION Nicole Doyle nicole.doyle@durhamcollege.ca 905 721.2000 x2806 JW200 905 . x 905 . x 905 . x 905 . x 905 . x Durham College Course Outline –RESR 1301 – 2012-2013 Page 1 of 7 Course Description: Legal researchers are most effective when they have a functional knowledge of legal principles and procedures. In this course, students will be introduced to the major subject areas within criminal and civil law. The role of research in criminal and civil law will be emphasized and key primary and secondary legal sources in each area will be highlighted. Students will practice their research skills with frequent research based assignments. Rationale: Performing legal research requires basic legal knowledge as well as resourcefulness. This course will assist students in building a portfolio of information sources and tools upon which they can draw to handle legal information requests in all areas of law. Course Learning Outcomes Course Specific Outcomes Essential Employability Outcomes Students receiving a credit for this course will have demonstrated their ability to: Students receiving a credit for this course will have demonstrated their ability to: 1. Evaluate and select appropriate print and electronic information sources to support work on client files and transactions. 2. Use legal encyclopedias, commentary, case digests, and specialized research tools to identify relevant primary sources of law related to the facts and legal issues in a client situation. 3. Identify, select and retrieve relevant and time appropriate statutes, regulations, rules, guidelines, cases, and forms using print and electronic sources. 4. Communicate research results using appropriate legal correspondence. 5. Document research results using generally accepted citation rules. 6. Describe the standard sections of a reported case and prepare a concise case brief. 7. Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. 8. Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. 9. Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. 10. Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. 11. Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. 12. Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. 13. Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. 14. Take responsibility for one’s own actions, decisions, and consequences. Course Learning Outcomes contribute to the achievement of Program Learning Outcomes. For a complete list of Vocational/Program learning outcomes and Essential Employability Skills please refer to the current program guide. Durham College Course Outline –RESR 1301 – 2012-2013 Page 2 of 7 Sequence of Instruction Evidence of Learning Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Intended Learning Course Introduction Quicklaw Guest Speaker Online practice with Halsbury’s Laws of Canada and Commentary on Quicklaw LawSource Guest Speaker Online practice with CED and Commentary on LawSource Resources and References Est. Class Hours Course Outline DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook 2 hours face to face Legal Research and Writing Process Civil versus Criminal Law Procedural versus Substantive Law Online exploration of legal research concepts and terminology DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook Torts Structure of a reported decision – different levels of court Role of Common Law Words and phrases Online case briefing practice Contracts Texts, Abridgment Digests (print and online) Online searching practice with digests DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook Procedural Law and Limitations Rules of Civil Procedure Limitations Online practice searching procedural points of law and limitations legislation Family Law: Marriage, Divorce and Property Legislation/jurisdiction Spousal Support Guidelines Domestic Contracts, Precedents Online practice with family law legislation, guidelines and precedents Family Law: Marriage, Divorce and Property Constructive Trusts Reports of Family Law and Case Searching Section 7 – Extraordinary Expenses Online practice searching cases and noting up legislation DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook 1 hour online 2 hours face to face 1 hour online 2 hours face to face 1 hour online 2 hours face to face 1 hour online 2 hours face to face 1 hour online 2 hours face to face 1 hour online 2 hours face to face Learning Outcomes References Assessment Evaluation and Weighting In Process Throughout the Semester – 25% 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1 hour online 2 hours face to face Intended Learning Activities 1 hour online Durham College Course Outline –RESR 1301 – 2012-2013 Page 3 of 7 Legal Commentary Assignment Due – 10% Common Law Assignment Due – 10% Sequence of Instruction Evidence of Learning Week 9 10 11 12 13 14 Intended Learning Resources and References Est. Class Hours Criminal Law Criminal Code Criminal Offences in other Acts Charter of Rights and Freedoms Practice with Annotations, Charter Digest and legislation searching Criminal Law Specialized tools: CriminalSource Online practice using CriminalSource DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook 2 hours face to face DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook 2 hours face to face Criminal Law Criminal procedure Criminal evidence Online practice with case searching, noting up, treatments DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook Criminal Law Sentencing Practice with sentencing research, quantums and minimum guidelines DC Connect Websites and Library Resources Textbook Review and Practice for Test Online independent review All materials to date 1 hour online 2 hours face to face All materials to date 1 hour online 2 hours face to face Final Practical Test Learning Outcomes References 1 hour online 2 hours face to face Assessment Evaluation and Weighting Family Law Assignment Due – 10% 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Guest Speaker Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Research Assignments Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Scenario Research Assignment Final Practical Test Criminal Law Assignment Due – 10% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities Final Practical Test Scenario Assignment Due – 15% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Instructor Presentation, Demonstration, Online/Independent Activities 1 hour online 1 hour online 2 hours face to face Intended Learning Activities Final Practical Test – 20% 1 hour online Course outlines are planning guidelines; actual delivery of content may vary with circumstances. Students will be notified in writing of changes that involve the addition or deletion of content, learning outcomes or evaluation, prior to changes being implemented. Faculty can find the procedures for implementing changes in the Course Outline Guide. Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline. Durham College Course Outline –RESR 1301 – 2012-2013 Page 4 of 7 Evaluation Criteria: (A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found in your Student Handbook.) In Process (weekly practice and reflections) 25% Research Assignments (four assignments at 10% each) 40% Scenario Research Assignment 15% Final Practical Test 20% Total 100% Notes: 1. The scenario assignment will be distributed at the beginning of the course and students are encouraged to apply the various tools they are learning to this scenario as the course progresses. Not all tools will be appropriate for all scenarios. While the assignment is due in Week 12, students may complete and hand in this assignment at any time during the semester. 2. In process work for this course will consist of weekly personal reflections, shared only with the instructor, that demonstrate how the student is integrating the material from the week into his or her own knowledge base. There will be 12 reflection activities posted and students are required to complete 10. Each reflection will be worth 2.5% for a total of 25%. 3. Assignments will be due on Monday of the assigned week prior to midnight. Reflection activities will be due each Wednesday by midnight. Required Text(s) and Supplies: This textbook is on 3-hour reserve in the library and can also be accessed electronically through the library catalogue. Tjaden, Ted. Legal Research and Writing, 3rd ed. (Toronto: Irwin Law, 2010). Online Supplement Available at: http://www.legalresearchandwriting.ca/. This does not take the place of the textbook, but is an excellent supplement. Recommended Resources: (purchase optional) Canadian Guide to Uniform Legal Citation (7th), (Toronto: Carswell, 2010) The Library has copies for loan and reference and students will be provided with an abridged handout. Durham College Course Outline –RESR 1301 – 2012-2013 Page 5 of 7 Policies and Expectations for the Learning Environment: General Policies and Expectations: General College policies related to General Program policies related to Acceptable Computer Use attendance Academic Policies Academic Honesty absence related to tests or assignment due dates Student Code of Conduct excused absences Students’ Rights and Responsibilities can be found on-line at http://www.durhamcollege.ca/academicpolicies writing tests and assignments classroom management can be found in the Program Guide. These guides are available on the main Durham College website http://www.durhamcollege.ca/ . Course Specific Policies and Expectations: Sequence of Instruction Sequence of instruction is dependent on the availability of guest speakers and timing of topics is subject to change. Guest Speakers Attendance at guest speaker presentations is a critical part of the course. Guest speaker presentations will not be posted on DC Connect, so students are encouraged to attend class and take notes or arrange to obtain notes from a colleague if they will miss a guest speaker presentation. Students who will be absent from a guest speaker visit should email the instructor ahead of time. Online Practice Activities This course is a 3 hour per week hybrid course, with 2 hours being delivered in the classroom and 1 hour being delivered online. Online activities will be designed for students to practice the skills and tools they are learning in class. The weekly in process reflection should incorporate not only what is learned in the classroom but also what is discovered and learned in the online practice activities. Each week, students will be expected to do approximately 30-40 minutes of practice and 10-15 minutes of reflection/writing. Campus Conflict Resolution Services This course specifically endorses and will use where appropriate Campus Conflict Resolution Services (CCRS). For details regarding the policy for CCRS, please refer to the program guide. Diversity This course also specifically acknowledges pluralism and that through distinctions in race, creed, place of origin or sexual orientation, or ability, there are many ways of making meaning in this world. This course specifically endorses where possible, the use of readings, discussions and case studies that enable students to adapt to differences with real empathy, recognize the legitimacy of those differences and develop tolerance and support for new concepts of compatibility. Durham College Course Outline –RESR 1301 – 2012-2013 Page 6 of 7 Subject Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) Yes No (Candidate eligibility is outlined in the http://www.durhamcollege.ca/assets/Section~specific/Continuing~Education/documents/plar.pdf) PLAR acknowledges subject mastery earned through work experience, professional development or nontraditional educational opportunities. A grade is assigned for the credit. The assessment can be written, oral, portfolio, or observational (or a combination of these four formats). Assessment format is to be determined by a subject matter expert. A candidate will not be able to initiate the PLAR process if he/she: - Registered in the said subject within the last 10 months; or - Audited the subject within the last ten (10) months; or - Previously failed the subject (within the last 2 academic years); or - Misrepresented his/her performance in a college subject for the purpose of obtaining marks or recognition. Applications for PLAR should be completed prior to course commencement. Students enrolled in the course must apply and make payment for PLAR within the first two weeks of the course's commencement. General Course Outline Notes: 1. Students should use the course outline as a learning tool to guide their achievement of the learning outcomes for this course. Specific questions should be directed to their individual professor. 2. The college considers the electronic format (i.e. MyCampus or DC Connect) as the primary channel of communication. Students should check the sources regularly for current course information. 3. Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline. 4. Course outlines should be retained for future needs (i.e. university credits, transfer of credits etc.) 5. A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found at http://durhamcollege.ca/gradeappeal. 6. Faculty are committed to ensuring accessible learning for all students. Students with permanent disabilities who require academic accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code should register with the Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD) to initiate in-class accommodations. The CSD is located in room SW116, Oshawa Campus (or room 180, Whitby Campus). Call 905-721-3123. Outline Template v10.2012 Durham College Course Outline –RESR 1301 – 2012-2013 Page 7 of 7