Louisiana Law School 1L Study Guide for Legal Research and Writing
I. Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
A. Purpose of Legal Research
1. To find authoritative sources that support legal arguments
2. To understand the law and its applications
B. Purpose of Legal Writing
1. To communicate legal analysis effectively
2. To persuade the reader with clarity and precision
II. Legal Research Skills
A. Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources
1. Primary sources: constitutions, statutes, administrative regulations, case law
2. Secondary sources: law journals, treatises, legal encyclopedias, and restatements
B. Hierarchies of Authority
1. Mandatory vs. persuasive authorities
2. Jurisdictional considerations
III. Civil Law vs. Common Law Tradition
A. Louisiana’s Unique Legal System
1. Based on the civil law tradition, unlike other U.S. states that follow common law
2. Importance of the Louisiana Civil Code
B. Civil Code Structure
1. Codal articles
2. Commentaries and jurisprudence
IV. Legal Citation
A. Importance of Proper Citation
B. The Bluebook vs. ALWD Citation Manual
C. Louisiana State-Specific Citations
1. Louisiana case law citation format
2. Citing the Louisiana Civil Code and Revised Statutes
V. Case Briefing and the IRAC Method
A. Case Brief Components
1. Title and citation
2. Facts
3. Procedural history
4. Issue
5. Rule of law
6. Application/Analysis
7. Conclusion
B. IRAC Method
1. Issue: Identifying the legal question
2. Rule: Stating the applicable law or legal principle
3. Application: Applying the rule to the facts of the case
4. Conclusion: Summarizing the outcome based on the analysis
VI. Understanding Louisiana Case Law
A. Landmark Louisiana Cases
1. Example: Succession of Smith (Discussing successions and forced heirship)
a. Issue: Whether the forced heirship provisions of the Louisiana Civil Code apply.
b. Rule: Louisiana Civil Code articles relevant to successions and forced heirship.
c. Application: The court applied the civil code articles to the facts of the case.
d. Conclusion: The court held that the provisions did apply and ruled accordingly.
VII. Legal Analysis and Synthesis
A. Developing Legal Arguments
B. Synthesizing Case Law
C. Fact Pattern Analysis
VIII. Legal Writing Skills
A. Memoranda and Briefs
1. Structure and format
2. Legal argument development
B. Organizational Techniques
1. Headings and subheadings
2. Use of bullet points and numbering
C. Clarity and Precision in Legal Writing
1. Active vs. passive voice
2. Avoiding legalese and complex sentences
IX. Persuasive Legal Writing
A. Theories of Persuasion
B. Persuasive Fact Presentation
C. Crafting Legal Arguments
X. Ethical Considerations in Legal Research and Writing
A. Avoiding Plagiarism
B. Representing Legal Analysis Truthfully
C. Confidentiality and Work Product Doctrine
XI. Practical Exercises
A. Drafting Assignments
1. Legal memos
2. Appellate briefs
B. Research Assignments
1. Statutory research
2. Case law research
XII. Preparing for Legal Writing Examinations
A. Time Management Strategies
B. Issue Spotting Techniques
C. Practice Writing Under Exam Conditions
This study guide provides an outline of the key topics and skills that are essential for a Louisiana Law 1L student in a Legal Research and Writing course. Mastery of these concepts and techniques is crucial for success in law school and beyond, particularly in the unique legal environment of Louisiana. Students should familiarize themselves with both civil law principles and the common law influence on Louisiana jurisprudence, enhance their research skills with both primary and secondary sources, and refine their writing abilities for clear, concise, and persuasive legal communication.