Instructor: Tieranny Decuir

Email: decuirts@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6548

Office Hours: Monday -9:00am-4:30pm Tuesday - 2:00pm-4:00pm

Wednesday- 9:00am-4:30pm Thursday- 2:00pm-4:00pm Friday- Appointment Only

Additional Contact Information: None

Presents the fundamentals of legal research and writing emphasizing the paralegal's role including resources and processes used in legal research and writing. 

Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals, Tenth Edition by Deborah A. Bouchoux and Diane Pevar, Publication Date: February 22, 2024 Edition: Tenth Edition ISBN: 9781543847581

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

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Locate primary and secondary legal authority.

Implement research strategies using available research tools.

Draft legal documents.

Analyze the ethical considerations of the paralegal relating to legal research and writing.

 1.Understand legal terms and the paralegal’s role in the legal environment.

2. Apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents.

3. Demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment.

4. Exhibit the ability to use computer skills

Chapter 1: Finding the Law

Chapter 2: The Federal and State Court Systems

Chapter 3: Statutory Law

Chapter 4: Case Law and Judicial Opinions

Chapter 5: Locating Cases Through Digests, Annotated Law Reports, and Words and Phrases

Chapter 6: Encyclopedias, Periodicals, Treatises, and Restatements

Chapter 7: Miscellaneous Secondary Authorities

Chapter 8: Legal Citation Form

Chapter 9: Updating and Validating Your Research

Chapter 10: Special Research Issues

Chapter 11: The Digital Library: Lexis+, Westlaw, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Non-Print Research Sources

Chapter 12: E-Research: Legal Research Using the Internet

Chapter 13: Overview of the Research Process

Chapter 15: Strategies for Effective Writing and Electronic Communications

Chapter 16: Legal Correspondence

Chapter 17: Legal Memoranda

Chapter 18: Legal Briefs 

Introduction to Legal Systems; Sources of Law Text: Chapter 1  

The Federal and State Court Systems Chapter 2; Ch. 1 Assignments due

Introduction to Statutory Law Chapter 3; Ch. 2 Assignments due

Statutory Law and Constitutions; Research Process

Introduction to Judicial Opinions Chapter 4; Ch. 3 Assignments due

Judicial Opinions, continued 

How to Brief a Case Ch. 4 Assignments due

Digests Chapter 5; Case brief due

Annotated Law Reports and Words and Phrases 

Secondary Sources Chapter 6; (encyclopedias and periodicals) Ch. 5 Assignments due

Secondary Sources (treatises, restatements, etc.) 

Misc. Secondary Sources Chapter 7; Ch. 6 Assignments due

Citation Form and Case Updating Chapters 8 and 9 Ch. 7 Assignments due

Legislative History; Administrative Chapter 10 Law; and International Law Ch. 8 & 9 Assignments due

The Digital Library Chapters 11 and 12; Ch. 10 Assignments due

Legal Writing Chapters 13, 14 and 15; Ch. 11 & 12 Assignments due

Correspondence and Memoranda Chapters 16 and 17

Brief Writing and Post-Writing Chapters 18 and 19; Letter due

Final Session Brief due; in-class proofreading assignmen

December 4th, 2026 at 8:00am-December 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Student must make a 70 (C) or above in order to pass this class.

Discussions- 20%

Attendance - 10%

Exams - 25%

Assignments - 25%

Final Exam - 20%

Weekly Expectations

1. Read the assigned chapter(s) for the week.

2. View the PowerPoints for the designated chapters.

3. Complete all weekly assignments in Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.

Exams & Assignments

·        All exams will open during their designated week.

·        If a student fails to complete an exam before the closing date, a zero will be given unless an excused absence is provided (examples: illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment, etc.).

·        Students with an excused absence must make arrangements with the instructor to complete a make-up exam.

Exams may include:

·        Multiple-choice questions

·        True/False questions

·        Short answer questions

·        Essay questions

·        Fill-in-the-blank questions

Textbooks

Students must have a copy of the required textbook or eBook no later than the second week of class (or as soon as it is available from the bookstore).

Grading

Grades will be posted in Blackboard. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades and averages—instructors will not calculate averages for students.

Grades will not be discussed over the phone. If you wish to discuss grades, you must meet in person during office hours or email the instructor. 

Make-Up & Late Work

Acceptance of late or make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.

Conditional AI Policy

The emergence of generative AI tools has sparked interest among students in our discipline. These tools can support brainstorming, exploring possible responses, and creatively engaging with course material. While AI can provide feedback, assistive technology, and language support, it cannot replace working directly with your instructor. Please contact me in advance if you plan to use AI tools for assignments so we can clarify what is acceptable.

Guidelines for AI Use in this Course:

1. Attribution Required: Students must give credit for any AI-assisted work, even if it is used only to generate ideas rather than final text or illustrations. When AI is used in assignments, include an appendix detailing: a. The AI interactions, highlighting the relevant sections. b. How AI was used (e.g., generating ideas, refining language, exploring concepts). c. Why AI was used (e.g., to save time, overcome writer’s block, stimulate thinking, clarify prose).

2. Prohibited Use: AI-generated content may not be submitted as your own work for assignments, exams, or projects unless explicitly approved. Use of AI in in-class examinations or for graded assignments without permission is prohibited.

3. Responsible Use: Use AI tools wisely and reflectively, with the goal of deepening your understanding of the subject matter. You are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-assisted content, ensuring it does not violate academic honesty standards, intellectual property laws, or privacy regulations. AI may be used for research preparation, text editing, or idea generation, but all submitted work must be written and finalized by the student.

4. Academic Integrity: Misrepresenting AI-assisted work as entirely your own constitutes academic misconduct. Violations of this policy will be handled according to Lamar State College Port Arthur academic integrity policies.

Instructor Guidance: Instructors may provide specific guidance on AI use in class exercises and projects. Students are encouraged to ask for clarification if unsure whether a particular use of AI is acceptable.

Academic Integrity:

1. Any student caught cheating or lending their work to another student will receive a zero on the assignment. Note: There is a difference between helping someone understand the work and giving them your assignment to copy.

2. Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.

Student Responsibilities:

Students must regularly check their email and Blackboard Ultra for class updates, schedule changes, or announcements.

Failure to follow written or oral instructions may result in penalties.

Technical Issues:

Blackboard Issues: Login, password, or software problems must be resolved through the IT Department. Inform your instructor of any delays that cannot be resolved before deadlines.

Pearson Issues: Contact Pearson Technical Support directly. Notify your instructor if Pearson related issues cause delays in completing coursework.

This is a face-to-face course that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a lab session from 10:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.

• Regular and punctual attendance is required for successful completion of the course.
• Attendance will be recorded at each class and lab session.
• Students are expected to arrive on time and remain for the entire class and lab periods.
• Active participation in class discussions, activities, and lab exercises is essential.
• If you must miss class or lab, notify the instructor in advance when possible and obtain any missed materials or assignments.
• Excessive absences or repeated tardiness may negatively impact your grade. 

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Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.