CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
U.S. LEGAL RESEARCH, WRITING, & ANALYSIS
LAWS 4912
SYLLABUS - SPRING 2021
Contact Information
Professor: Jaclyn Celebrezze (jcc20@case.edu)
Zoom TA: Yue Feng (yxf364@case.edu)
Course Schedule:
Tuesdays, 8:55 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. EST at Gund Hall or on Zoom
( https://cwru.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwpdeuvrj8qHNT-
9TFHgpxLTSlG2Bto26va )
Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. EST on Zoom for everyone
(https://cwru.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkcuCqqDsjHNBk9xvf0IfOJ7utY5Tg4
xF7 )
This writing course is a two-credit course. We will meet on Tuesdays from 8:55
a.m. to 9:50 a.m. The course is a hybrid learning course. This means that on
Tuesdays students abroad will join our class from Zoom (remote synchronous) and
students in Cleveland will attend in-person in the classroom. On Thursdays all
students will attend on Zoom.
PLEASE NOTE: Attendance is required, and participation is expected.
Office Hours: Mondays at 8:00 a.m. EST
https://cwru.zoom.us/j/95405653382?pwd=Y1ZEalh5NlpYeWZxS0lqN04veTRYdz09
Meeting ID: 954 0565 3382 Passcode: 093895
Course Website: canvas.case.edu
Course Description:
The study and practice of law in the United States require an understanding of
the English language coupled with patience and persistence. American courts
have decided cases based on a single word, on a phrase, or on improper
punctuation. Reading and understanding cases, interpreting statutes,
participating in legal discussions, writing exam answers and legal memoranda,
and simply asking basic legal questions all require some mastery of the English
language. In essence, language is the lawyer’s tool.
Course Goals, Objectives and Outcomes
The goal of this class is two-fold. Primarily, it is my hope that this course will
provide you with foundational skills in U.S. legal research, analysis, and writing.
Additionally, it my goal that this course will allow you to reinforce and strengthen your
English language skills. You will be expected to write various short assignments and a
complete legal office memorandum. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
identify the structure and function of the U.S. Legal System; perform legal research to
distinguish between binding and persuasive legal resources; understand and implement
active case reading techniques when performing legal research and preparing case
briefs; analyze appropriate legal precedent to generate a formal, U.S. legal
memorandum; generate and revise a variety of written legal documents by
implementing appropriate structural, grammatical and analytical styles; recognize the
purpose of proper legal citation; utilize proper legal citation form in written work to
provide appropriate attribution of legal sources; and model U.S. legal ethics and
academic behavior in all course activities to develop your legal professionalism.
Required Texts
1. John B. Thornton, U.S. LEGAL REASONING, WRITING, AND PRACTICE FOR
INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS (“Thornton”)
2. ALWD GUIDE TO LEGAL CITATION (5th edition OR 6th edition) (“Citation Guide”)
Assessment and Grading
The coursework for this course will consist of several writing assignments, a
midterm, a timed essay, and a final office memorandum. Each of these components
will be graded. The chart below gives an approximation of the weight of each of
these various assessments.
Grade
Quizzes Final Memo Timed Essay Midterm Writing Assignments
Attendance
You are expected to attend courses regularly, prepare for class, actively
participate in discussion, and complete all exercises and assignments. In the
event you are unable to attend class or participate at the expected levels, you
must communicate your absence in advance of class in order to be
excused. Three unexcused absences may result in failure from the
course. Three late attendances constitute an unexcused absence.
Class Preparation
ABA [ABA = the American Bar Association, which is the group responsible for
law school accreditation)] Standard 310 requires the law faculty to ensure that
students are spending approximately 170 minutes of time per credit hour, per
week on their classes (including in-class time). This figure is based on two (60-
minute) hours of time outside of class for each (50-minute) hour they spend in
class. In courses with fewer hours of in-class time, students are expected to spend
more time outside of class to reach the substantial equivalent of 170 minutes per
credit hour, per week.
Class Participation
I expect everyone to participate in class discussions. Not only is this the most
engaging way to approach the subject matter, it will aid you with retaining this
knowledge. We will discuss the readings and assignments, and participation is
mandatory. Remember, this is as much a class in speaking and listening as it is a
class in reading and writing. Constructive class participation and engagement
means being brief and to the point, including others in discussion, listening
actively and respectfully to others' comments and questions, and not interrupting
others or dominating the discussion. The quality, rather than the quantity, of
participation is what matters in this class.
Camera Policy
It is university policy that when attending a synchronous class remotely, students
are generally required to have their cameras on (appropriate virtual backgrounds
permitted) to ensure active and engaged class participation, and are expected to
participate in the class as fully as if they were attending in person.
You can request a waiver of the camera requirement based on exceptional
circumstances. However, you must request the waiver by communicating with me
via Canvas or email at the beginning of the semester.
Deadlines
Assignments are due at the times specified, unless you are notified otherwise.
Failure to turn in an assignment on time will reduce your grade by 1 point for
every day the assignment is late. You may not turn in an assignment after that
professor has reviewed it in class. All deadlines and due dates are subject to
change at your professor’s discretion.
Academic Integrity Statement
By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities set forth in
the Code of Conduct as an active participant in the Law School’s community of
scholars in which all academic work and behavior are held to the highest
standards. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and
helping others commit these acts are examples of academic misconduct, which can
result in disciplinary action. This includes but is not limited to failure on the
assignment/course, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. Suspected
cases of academic misconduct will be reported to the Associate Dean for Academic
Affairs. Note that academic misconduct can also have a serious and negative
impact on one’s eventual application for law licensure.
Accommodations
Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing all students with
opportunities to take full advantage of the University’s educational programs. The
law School recognizes that students with documented disabilities may need
assistance or accommodations in order to achieve this objective.
Policies and procedures used to determine a student’s eligibility for disability
services are outlined here. Law students with disabilities are encouraged to talk
with Dean McCarthy in Student Services about assistance and accommodations
available for classes, examinations, and study aids.
Diversity and Inclusion
CWRU Law Faculty Statement on Diversity: The faculty of Case Western
Reserve University School of Law is committed to creating and sustaining an
environment for students, faculty and staff that is both diverse and inclusive, inside
and outside the classroom. We embrace a broad definition of diversity and value
diversity of all kinds. We strive to create a culture of inclusion that encourages
relationships and interactions among people of different backgrounds; enhances
human dignity; actively diminishes prejudice and discrimination; and improves
the quality of life for everyone in our community. And we believe that attaining
diversity and achieving an excellent faculty; staff and student body are both
critical, mutually reinforcing goals.
Mental Health Resources
Law school is a context where mental health struggles can be exacerbated. If you
ever find yourself experiencing challenges in or outside the classroom, please do
not hesitate to ask for help. If you wish to seek out campus resources, here is some
University Counseling Services information.
For other resources, contact Dean Michael McCarthy (Phone: 216.368.4860).
Submission and Format Requirements
Submission requirements:
Depending on the assignment or your professor’s requirements, all written
assignments will be submitted by the deadline on Canvas.
Style and Format requirements:
a) Use 12-point Times New Roman typeface for all text and footnotes (unless
otherwise instructed to use a different font).
b) Employ one-inch margins on all sides.
c) Number each page, except the first page, at the bottom center.
d) Double-space all text except for point headings longer than one line, block
quotes over 50 words, and footnotes.
e) Submit electronic copies in Microsoft WORD and title them:
“[Your Last Name] then [First Name] then [Name of Document].”
f) Proofread thoroughly. (You are not permitted to have others proofread for
you. Careful editing and proofreading are skills you must develop.)
g) Unless otherwise instructed, all papers must indicate your name and your
Professor’s name at the upper right hand corner of the first page.
Indicate your FIRST Name (English name, if used) and then LAST name and
Professor Celebrezze. For example:
Stuart (Stu) Dent
Prof. Celebrezze
CLASS SCHEDULE
WEEK 1: Intro to Case Briefing and U.S. Legal System
Reading:
Chapters 1-3 in Thornton
Handout “How to Read a Judicial Opinion”
Kalbfell v. Marc Glassman Inc.
Active Case Reading
Socratic Method Rules
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
JANUARY 28:
Discussion:
Introduction to Course, Classroom Format, Classmates
Introduction to Legal Research, Court Structure, U.S. Legal
System
ASSIGNMENT: Submit Case Brief Kalbfell v. Marc Glassman Inc. to Canvas
by Friday, January 29, 2021 at 5pm ET.
WEEK 2: U.S. Legal Authority
Reading:
Chapters 4-6 in Thornton
Stoffel v. Big Bear Stores Co.
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
FEBRUARY 2: Discussion:
Introduction to Legal Research, Court Structure, U.S. Legal
System, Parts of a Brief
FEBRUARY 4:
Discussion:
Review Kalbfell v. Marc Glassman Inc.
Discuss Short Research Assignment
ASSIGNMENT: Submit Case Brief Stoffel v. Big Bear Stores Co. to Canvas
by Friday, February 5, 2021 at 5 pm ET.
WEEK 3: U.S. Legal Research
Reading: Chapter 19 in Thornton
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
FEBRURARY 9:
NO LIVE CLASS TODAY. Watch training videos instead and
setup research accounts and complete short research
assignment.
FEBRUARY 11: Discussion:
Legal Research
Reading and Predicting
Skimming and Scanning
Punctuation
Review Stoffel v. Big Bear Stores Co. brief
Introduce Save-A-Lot Scenario
ASSIGNMENT: Submit Short Research Assignment to Canvas by Friday,
February 12, 2021 at 5pm ET.
WEEK 4: Introduction to the Legal Memorandum Format and Legal
Analysis
Reading:
Chapter 12 in Thornton
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
FEBRUARY 16: Discussion:
Objective Writing and Memos
Audience, Purpose and Tone
IRAC/CREAC/CRAC Writing Structures
FEBRUARY 18:
Discussion:
Legal Analysis Structure Options: IRAC, IREAC and CREAC
Review Save-A-Lot Scenario
ASSIGNMENT: Submit CREAC of Save-A-Lot Case Scenario to Canvas by
Friday, February 19, 2021 at 5pm ET
WEEK 5: Parts of a Memo (Question Presented and Grammar: Sentence
Structure)
Reading:
Chapters 15-17 in Thornton
Handouts: Question Presented and Brief Answer
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
FEBRUARY 23:
Discussion:
Parts of a Memo Review
Question Presented Structures (Formulas)
Question Presented/Brief Answer/Sentence Structure
FEBRUARY 25:
Discussion:
Brief Answer
Grammar: Punctuation
ASSIGNMENT: Submit Hodges v. Meijer to Canvas by Friday, February 26,
2021 at 5pm ET.
WEEK 6: Legal Citations
Reading:
Chapter 14 in Thornton
Read Part 1: Introductory Material in ALWD Guide
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
MARCH 2:
Discussion:
Legal Citations (Why, How, Types and Placement)
Academic Integrity/Plagiarism
MARCH 4:
Discussion:
Preparations for Midterm
Advanced Styles of Legal Citation
(string/internal/parentheticals)
WEEK 7: Midterm – NO IN-PERSON CLASS THIS WEEK
MARCH 9:
ASSIGNMENT: MIDTERM ON CANVAS ON MARCH 9, 2021 AT 8:00
A.M. ET – NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!!!!!
MARCH 18: NO ZOOM MEETING TODAY. Instead, required One-on-
One Conferencing to Review CREAC. Calendar sign-ups to
follow.
WEEK 8: Intermediate Legal Analysis
Reading:
Chapters 9-13 in Thornton
Shopkeeper’s Privilege Statute
Tips for Using Quotations and Paraphrasing
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
MARCH 23:
Discussion:
Inferences and Analogies
Paraphrasing and Summarizing
ASSIGNMENT: Submit Legal Citation Exercise to Canvas by Tuesday,
March 23, 2021 at 8:55 A.M. ET.
MARCH 25:
Discussion:
How to Read a Statute
Quotations
WEEK 9: Legal Analysis Assessment: CRAC
Reading:
OPTIONAL REVIEW: Ohio’s Shopkeeper’s Privilege Statute
OPTIONAL REVIEW: How to Read A Statute
MARCH 30: NO LIVE CLASS TODAY- INSTEAD COMPLETE 24-Hour
ESSAY and submit via Canvas
ASSIGNMENT: Submit 24 Hour Timed CRAC to Canvas by MARCH 31, 2021
at 8:55 A.M. ET
APRIL 1:
Discussion:
Discuss of Final Memo Assignment
One-on-One Conferencing to Review Timed CRAC will be available throughout the next
week.
WEEK 10: Advanced Legal Analysis
Reading:
Review Chapters 9-13 in Thornton
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
APRIL 6
Discussion:
Case Law Synthesis
APRIL 8:
Discussion:
CREAC with Multiple Sources
Analogizing and Distinguishing
WEEK 11: Final Parts of a Memo (SOF and Conclusions)
Reading:
Chapters 15-17 in Thornton
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
APRIL 13:
Discussion:
Statement of Facts
Verb Tenses
APRIL 15:
Discussion:
Conclusions
Capitalization
ASSIGNMENT: Submit Advanced Analysis Assignment to Canvas by Friday
April 16, 2021 at 5pm ET
WEEK 12: Editing and Proofreading
Reading:
Chapters 17-18 in Thornton
Handouts: Editing Symbols and Editing Checklist
Watch Assigned Videos and Complete Quizzes on
Canvas.
APRIL 20:
Discussion:
Editing as Collaboration
Articles/Verb Tenses
APRIL 22:
Discussion:
Topic Sentences
Transitions
APRIL 23:
Discussion: Final Memo Review
WEEK 13: Where to Next?
Reading:
Handout: Telling Tales
Handout on Conclusions
Optional Review: Chapter 12 and 20 in Thornton
APRIL 27:
Discussion:
Life at a U.S. Law Firm
Objective to Persuasive Writing
Power of Storytelling
APRIL 29:
Exercise:
Storytelling Exercise
ASSIGNMENT: Submit Final Office Memo to Canvas by Monday, May 3,
2021 at 5pm ET
