Course Title: Mastering Legal Research: Essential Skills for Aspiring Lawyers in Pakistan
Duration: 8 Weeks
Schedule: Saturdays at 6:30 PM (1-hour sessions)
Format: Blended learning with lectures, practical exercises, group discussions, and guest speakers.
Week-by-Week Breakdown:
Week 1: Introduction to Legal Research
Overview of legal research and its significance.
Introduction to course structure and learning objectives.
Week 2: Analyzing Cases from Multiple Perspectives
Techniques for viewing cases from different angles.
Exploration of offline vs. online research methods.
Week 3: Utilizing Online and Offline Resources
In-depth look at international legal websites and research tools.
Hands-on session on research methodologies.
Week 4: Latest Legislation and Precedents
Methods for tracking current legislation and understanding its impact.
Analysis of reported and unreported precedents.
Week 5: Case Analysis and Hierarchy of Judgments
Understanding judicial hierarchy and its implications.
Techniques for reading and interpreting legal texts.
Week 6: Understanding Precedents
Differentiation of types of precedents and their relevance.
Practical exploration of legal research platforms.
Week 7: International Research Sources
Focus on global legal databases and their applications.
Time management strategies for effective research.
Week 8: Conclusion and Practical Tips
Recap of key takeaways and skills acquired.
Open forum for questions, feedback, and future application of skills.