Instructions to Course and Classwork
                                                       Law 17- Legal Writing
                                                        updated: 9/09/01

Law 17 is a course in advanced legal drafting and writing. The course description gives the student some more information about the class.

Notes about this class

• we use the internet and a class webpage for this class.
  
  
• you do not have to take a computer class to do this course. you will learn in class, how to cut and paste, and other computer skills, including getting and using your own email account.
  
  
• if you do not have a computer you can always print out the assignments and hand them in to Prof. J. either in typwritten or handwritten form
  
  
• our Paralegal homepage is located at http://www.vcsun.org/~djordan
  
  
• the easiest way to get to our class home page is to go to lamission.org and click on the red ORG, and that takes you to the law web page.
  
  
• The class is basically divided into discussions, PPR's, and written assignments, and all of these are located on the class homepage
  
  
• If you do not have your own email account, you may get one at yahoo.com or hotmail.com
  There are countless other free email services.
  
  
• There is no textbook for this class. You can use the West Business Law textbook on your discussion and pprs, but if you do not have a textbook, then read the postings under each question to learn the particular legal points you will need to do the posting or ppr, and we will cover the various legal points in class.
  
  
• We will discuss legal questions by using "hypernews threaded discussions". Instructions on how to post your answers to these discussions is located at instructions on how to post. Students are encouraged to look at other students' postings, but do not copy them "verbatim", use your own creative imagination.
  
  
• The Syllabus for Law 17 -Legal Writing is located at Syllabus.
  
  
• Grades will be posted regulary at Grades on our webpage.
  
  
• If you are having problems with the course work, materials, or anything, please contact Prof. J. at 818/546-7060, and set up and appointment. You may also contact him, online, through Javachat. First, though, call and leave a message on Prof.J. voicemail at 818/546-7060, to tell him the date and time you wish to visit him online to discuss the class.
  
  
• You can always contact Prof. J. through email at abogado@pacbell.net
  
  
• Law 17 may be your first class in law. Law is fun, but also difficult to study at times. If you need assistance in learning how to study, then check out the study skills, especially how to study the law. (remember: add 50% to the time you initially think you need to study for this class. You should work at least 6 - 9 hours a week for this class - 1-2 hours reading the 1 hour to post your discussions, 2 hours for each written assignment)
  
  If you have problems in "briefing cases" then look at the materials located at "how to brief" a law case., and additional materials on briefing of law cases under Law 10 assignments. It is important to learn the distinction between a case and a code. Also you will become more familiar how courts work, and their role in the legal system. We will also start to learn how to do legal research and legal writing in class.
  
  
• Welcome to Law 17, and let Prof. Jordan know if you need any help or assistance in this class.
  
  
• one of the best search engines, even for finding law is Google.com, so try it. You may also find Findlaw very helpful in finding law, and answering your legal questions.
  
  
• information about Paralegal jobs is located at Jobs., and lawjobs.itgo.com.
  
  
• Also remember that we have an excellent Index of Legal Documents, and a Site Index A-Z which you should become familiar with.