Legal Research Methodology And Project Writing I
- Law
- 400 level
- 4 credit units
- 67 pages
- 9 units
This course acquaints law students with scientific methods of inquiry into law, covering the nature, scope, and significance of legal research. It explores the role of legal research in developing law and legal institutions, emphasizing its impact on socio-economic development. The course addresses sources, categories, and types of legal research, focusing on doctrinal and non-doctrinal methods. It aims to instill basic skills for identifying research problems, planning legal research projects, and appreciating associated challenges, enabling students to pursue legal and socio-legal research effectively.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, research
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of JIL447, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
JIL447 · Unit 1: Historical Background of Legal Research
In this unit, you have learnt the historical background of legal research, especially in the United Kingdom from whence Nigeria borrowed its legal system. You are also able to decide which is the proper Unit in a University to teach Legal Research Methodology and Project Writing because of the augment presented in this Unit.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the historical background and evolution of legal research.
- Identify and formulate research problems effectively.
- Apply various research methods and techniques in legal studies.
- Analyze and interpret legal data accurately.
- Write comprehensive and well-structured research reports.
- Critically evaluate legal literature and research findings.
What it prepares you for
- Legal Researcher
- Legal Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Academic Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Law Firms
- Government Agencies
- Academic Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- International Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 3: Types and purpose of Research
The unit requires understanding of abstract legal concepts and their practical application, demanding critical thinking and analytical skills to differentiate between various research types and their purposes.
- Module 3: General Research Process
Unit 3: Major Stages in Legal Research
This unit requires understanding of complex research methodologies and techniques, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation, which can be challenging for students without prior research experience.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: History of Legal Research
Unit 1: Historical Background of Legal Research · 3 hours
Understand the historical context of legal research.. Explore the views of academic lawyers.. Identify the role of law librarians in legal education..
Unit 2: History of Legal Research in Nigeria · 3 hours
Trace the history of legal education and practice in Nigeria.. Examine the establishment of law faculties in Nigerian universities.. Understand the evolution of legal research as a course of study..
- Week 2Module 1: History of Legal Research
Unit 3: Legal Research in NOUN · 3 hours
Understand the design of the Law programme in NOUN.. Explore the challenges faced by NOUN law students in research.. Identify the role of this courseware in addressing these challenges..
- Week 3Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 1: The Need for Legal Research · 3 hours
Examine the influence of social values on law.. Understand the dynamics between law and society.. Explore the role of law in social control and change..
- Week 4Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 1: The Need for Legal Research · 3 hours
Understand the three dimensions of a legal system.. Explore the interrogations and investigations related to each dimension.. Examine the interrelationships between formal and informal rules in shaping law..
- Week 5Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 1: The Need for Legal Research · 3 hours
Explore the role of law in achieving socio-economic transformation.. Understand the economic, social, and environmental objectives of a modern state.. Examine the government's duty to ensure equal opportunities and protect citizens' welfare..
- Week 6Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 2: What is Research? · 3 hours
Define research and its systematic nature.. Understand the process of identifying and investigating facts or problems.. Explore the concept of absolute truth in research..
- Week 7Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 2: What is Research? · 3 hours
Define legal research and its scope.. Understand the process of identifying and retrieving information for decision-making.. Explore the nature, scope, and subject matter of legal research..
- Week 8Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 2: What is Research? · 3 hours
Explore the motivations behind undertaking research.. Understand the desire to earn a research degree and its benefits.. Examine the desire to acquire reputation and acclaim from fellow men..
- Week 9Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 2: What is Research? · 3 hours
Understand the scientific method and its logical considerations.. Explore the characteristics of the scientific method.. Differentiate between research methods and research methodology..
- Week 10Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 2: What is Research? · 3 hours
Understand the objectives of legal research.. Differentiate between doctrinal and non-doctrinal research.. Explore the characteristics of doctrinal research..
- Week 11Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 3: Types and purpose of Research · 3 hours
Explore the characteristics of non-doctrinal research.. Understand the factors inhibiting non-doctrinal research.. Differentiate between descriptive and analytical research..
- Week 12Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 3: Types and purpose of Research · 3 hours
Differentiate between applied and fundamental research.. Understand the interplay between applied and fundamental research.. Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative research..
- Week 13Module 2: Introduction to Legal Research
Unit 3: Types and purpose of Research · 3 hours
Differentiate between conceptual and empirical research.. Understand the importance of legal research.. Explore the ascertainment of law, highlighting gaps and ambiguities..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed outlines for each module, focusing on key concepts and case laws.
- Practice applying different research methods to hypothetical legal problems.
- Review and summarize all tutor-marked assignments to reinforce understanding.
- Allocate specific time slots for focused study, minimizing distractions.
- Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.
- Prioritize understanding of legal principles over memorization of facts.
- Utilize online resources and databases to access additional study materials.
- Simulate exam conditions by attempting past papers within the given time limit.
- Seek clarification from tutors on any areas of doubt or confusion.
- Develop effective time management strategies to answer all questions comprehensively.
Questions students ask about this course
What is JIL447 about?
This course acquaints law students with scientific methods of inquiry into law, covering the nature, scope, and significance of legal research. It explores the role of legal research in developing law and legal institutions, emphasizing its impact on socio-economic development. The course addresses sources, categories, and types of legal research, focusing on doctrinal and non-doctrinal methods. It aims to instill basic skills for identifying research problems, planning legal research projects, and appreciating associated challenges, enabling students to pursue legal and socio-legal research effectively.
How many units does JIL447 have?
JIL447, Legal Research Methodology And Project Writing I, has 9 units across 3 modules, over 67 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is JIL447?
JIL447 carries 4 credit units, at 400 level in Law.
Is JIL447 hard?
JIL447 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and research work, and it has a practical component.
How long does JIL447 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 9 units.
How is JIL447 assessed?
JIL447 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with JIL447?
Legal Researcher, Legal Analyst, Policy Advisor, Academic Lawyer and Legal Consultant.