Program Outline
Here's how it works
Your certificate program consists of courses designed to take you step-by-step toward understanding legal research. Your first course will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other courses will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have study materials to work with.
Computer Specifications
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer to complete this program. Penn Foster Career School recommends the following as minimum specifications: Pentium® II or better processor, using Microsoft® Windows® XP or later. You will also need to have access to the Internet and Microsoft® Office 2007 to complete portions of this program.
You must complete the following courses in the order indicated to earn your Westlaw® Legal Research Certificate.
PLS020 - Research Basics
- Lesson 1: Internet Basics
- Lesson 2: Computerized Legal Research
This course provides the student with a summary background in effective Internet usage, as well as a detailed overview of traditional research techniques for both traditional and online libraries. Students will gain practice in basic search engines, review downloading and uploading electronic files, learn to evaluate the credibility of information found online, and become effective in finding and utilizing information from libraries and multiple electronic sources.
PLS095 - Computerized Legal Research
- Lesson 1: Legal Research
- Lesson 2: Computer-Assisted Legal Research, Part 1
- Lesson 3: Computer-Assisted Legal Research, Part 2
- Lesson 4: Computer-Assisted Legal Research – Project
Access to Westlaw.com® provided to student to complete the research project.
In this course the student will learn the in-depth skills required for legal research aided by today’s computer technology. Key concepts covered include: describing sources, using basic citation procedures, locating cases and statutes using appropriate sources, reading and briefing a case, using Westlaw.com® for legal research, searching and retrieving primary and secondary legal sources, locating and profiling people and businesses, and using the Internet to perform factual business and legal research. This course also includes a project where the student uses Westlaw.com® to demonstrate their ability to use a CALR system to retrieve critical legal information. (Temporary Westlaw® access is included as part of your tuition.
Students interested in enrolling in our Legal Research Certificate Program should possess a solid background in the Windows® based PC environment and should also have an educational or work-related background in core paralegal concepts. Students who do not have the necessary prerequisite skills should consider the Penn Foster Paralegal Career Diploma or the Penn Foster College AS Degree in Paralegal Studies. |
Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation and its subsidiaries registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Westlaw is a registered trademark of Thomson Reuters, Inc.