Legal Research Methodology and Project Writing
- Law
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 88 pages
- 11 units
This course introduces postgraduate law students to scientific methods of legal inquiry. It explores the nature, scope, and significance of legal research, emphasizing its role in developing law and legal institutions, as well as its broader socioeconomic impact. The course covers sources, categories, and types of legal research, focusing on both doctrinal and socio-legal methods and tools. Students will develop skills in identifying research problems, planning and executing legal research projects, and understanding associated challenges, preparing them for future legal and socio-legal research endeavors.
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 LAW806, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LAW806 · UNIT 1 WHAT IS LEGAL RESEARCH?
A legal research, as we have already said, is a research whose subject matter has to deal with law. We already said that the adjectival word “legal” qualifies what kind of research is in issue, namely, law. The subject matter of a legal research is always or in most cases is zeroed to three important areas of research.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the nature and scope of legal research.
- Apply different legal research methodologies.
- Plan and execute legal research projects.
- Write effective research reports.
- Critically evaluate legal scholarship.
What it prepares you for
- Legal Researcher
- Legal Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Academic
- Legal Practitioner
- Law Firms
- Government Agencies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Academic Institutions
- International Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Introduction to legal Research
Unit 2: Research Methods
Requires understanding of diverse research methodologies and their application to legal problems.
- Module 2:
Unit 3: Literature Review
Synthesizing existing research and identifying gaps requires critical thinking and analytical skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to legal Research
Unit 1: What is Legal Research? · 3 hours
Define legal research and its importance.. Discuss the need for legal research in a dynamic legal environment.. Explain the relationship between law and society..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to legal Research
Unit 2: Research Methods · 3 hours
Compare and contrast doctrinal, empirical, and teleological research methods.. Identify primary and secondary sources in legal research.. Understand the application of scientific methods in legal research..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to legal Research
Unit 3: Types of Research · 3 hours
Differentiate between descriptive, analytical, applied, qualitative, quantitative, and conceptual research.. Apply appropriate research types to specific legal problems.. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each research type..
- Week 4Module 1: Introduction to legal Research
Unit 4: Research Planning and Designing · 3 hours
Design a research project, including topic selection and methodology.. Identify and utilize appropriate research tools for municipal and international law.. Apply basic data collection techniques..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 1: How to Choose Research Topic · 3 hours
Apply criteria for selecting a suitable research topic.. Ensure the topic is narrow, novel, and researchable.. Develop an elegant, precise, and clear research topic..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 2: Abstract · 3 hours
Write an effective abstract summarizing the research work.. Include key elements such as introduction, problem statement, findings, and recommendations.. Use appropriate language and structure for an abstract..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 3: Literature Review · 3 hours
Conduct a comprehensive literature review.. Evaluate and synthesize existing research.. Identify gaps in the literature and formulate research questions..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 4: Parts of a Thesis, Dissertation and Long Essay Project · 3 hours
Identify the components of a thesis, dissertation, and long essay project.. Organize preliminary pages, main body, and appendices.. Understand the purpose and content of each section..
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 1: Citations · 3 hours
Apply citation styles for statutes, textbooks, case laws, journals, and online sources.. Use cross-references effectively (Ibidem, Op. Cit., Loc. Cit., Supra).. Ensure accuracy and consistency in citations..
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 2: Footnotes, Endnotes and Quotations · 3 hours
Use footnotes and endnotes to provide additional information and explanations.. Apply proper formatting for quotations.. Utilize computer tools effectively for research and writing..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 3: Conclusion · 3 hours
Write a comprehensive conclusion summarizing findings and recommendations.. Ensure recommendations are aligned with research findings.. Summarize the research process and outcomes..
- Week 12Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and methodologies.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Practice essay questions and case studies.. Refine exam preparation strategies.. Address any remaining questions or concerns..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and recommended readings thoroughly.
- Practice applying different research methodologies to hypothetical legal problems.
- Create detailed outlines of key concepts and cases from each module.
- Focus on understanding the relationships between different research methods and their applications.
- Practice writing clear and concise summaries of legal principles and research findings.
Questions students ask about this course
What is LAW806 about?
This course introduces postgraduate law students to scientific methods of legal inquiry. It explores the nature, scope, and significance of legal research, emphasizing its role in developing law and legal institutions, as well as its broader socioeconomic impact. The course covers sources, categories, and types of legal research, focusing on both doctrinal and socio-legal methods and tools. Students will develop skills in identifying research problems, planning and executing legal research projects, and understanding associated challenges, preparing them for future legal and socio-legal research endeavors.
How many units does LAW806 have?
LAW806, Legal Research Methodology and Project Writing, has 11 units across 3 modules, over 88 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LAW806?
LAW806 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Law.
Is LAW806 hard?
LAW806 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 LAW806 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.
How is LAW806 assessed?
LAW806 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with LAW806?
Legal Researcher, Legal Analyst, Policy Advisor, Academic and Legal Practitioner.