Teaching legal research

This is the second edition of the popular guidance note published in 1999 by the National Centre for Legal Education.

This second edition of Teaching legal research, one of UKCLE’s best sellers, was published in February 2006. Aimed at tutors and librarians teaching undergraduates and postgraduates how to research law, the book will also be of interest to librarians in law firms involved in devising and delivering training to newly appointed trainee solicitors.

Written by Peter Clinch (Cardiff University), the book includes contributions by several acknowledged experts in their fields – the chapter on virtual learning environments has been written by Marianne Barber (College of Law) and Nicola Wakefield (Manchester Metropolitan University), and Cathie Jackson (Cardiff University) has contributed sections where the concept of information literacy is discussed.

Unlike many publications on legal research Teaching legal research is intended for tutors rather than students, and provides guidance and advice on how to develop and run a legal research skills course. It is presented as a ‘how to do it’ guide, with numerous illustrations and examples drawn from practical experience.

Contents

• Preface
• Legal research: defining the concept
• Learning theory and legal research
• Curriculum development
• Lesson planning, structure and content
• Lesson materials and teaching aids
• Using the virtual learning environment
• Assessment
• Evaluation of the course
• Further reading