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
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x
905
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x
905
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x
905
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x
905
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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
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