lecture recording on 12 March 2025 at 14.34.55 PM

Overview

• The lecture covers key information regarding the upcoming individual research project and group project for business law.

Exam Preparation

• Test Day: Scheduled for Monday.

• Materials Required: Scantron, pencil, index card for notes (front and back).

• Discussion on Schedule Confusion: Students clarify their times and realize a change was made without everyone being aware.

Individual Research Project

• Purpose: Each student must submit an individual project involving two case briefs followed by a compare and contrast.

• Structure Requirements:

  • Two separate briefs addressing two listed cases.

  • A final compare and contrast section does not allow for AI use; failure to comply will result in an automatic failure.

  • Students are encouraged to discuss ideas and drafts with peers but must write their own work.

• Project Timeline: Assigned early in the semester with a deadline far into the future, allowing ample time.

• IRAC Method:

  • I - Issues: Legal questions central to the appeal.

  • R - Rules: Legal precedents and justifications that the court utilized. Must reference relevant case law.

  • A - Analysis: A narrative analyzing the application of the facts to the law encompassing all examined issues. This constitutes the majority of the grade.

  • C - Conclusion: Summarizes the court's decision; this section is straightforward and can be paraphrased.

• Aim for Comprehensive Understanding: Students must understand legal reasoning, not just facts. Include relevant facts leading to the court's decisions in the analysis.

Finding Legal Cases

• Resources for Research:

  • Students can access Westlaw through the university's library website.

  • Also mention alternatives such as Google, FineLaw.com, or Caselaw.com.

  • Notes on the importance of headnotes in Westlaw that outline significant issues concerning cases.

Specific Legal Cases

• Cases to Brief:

  • Starzinski vs. Capital Public Radio

  • Kajabi vs. Feather River Anesthesia Medical Group

  • Each case needs an earlier appellate or supreme court reference, along with counsel for parties involved.

  • Emphasis on understanding the legal principles, issues, and comparative contractual applications.

Project Expectations

• Workload:

  • Complete drafts of the briefs well in advance of the due date.

  • Encourage students not to cram; thorough preparation is key.

• Drafting Order: Students should start with Starzinski, which is simpler, then proceed to Kajabi.

  • Full drafts are to be submitted separately but graded in context of each other.

Group Project

• Collaboration: Groups must choose one case from Starzinski and complete a brief using the IRAC method.

• Presentation: Prepare a presentation detailing the chosen case’s significance to Starzinski's decision rather than presenting all IRAC components.

• Individual Contributions: Each group must submit a page detailing each member’s contributions to ensure accountability.

• Final Thoughts: Importance of identifying key issues and rules efficiently, with multiple group members contributing in various capacities to avoid over-reliance on individual efforts.