the Study of Legal English

Introduction to Legal English develops the students' ability to recognize, understand, and use legal English in oral and written formats. Instruction combines a review of the standard terminology of Anglo-American legal systems with the study of sentence and paragraph structure that characterize legal writing. It introduces participants to the teaching techniques used in American law schools and to the concepts of judicial precedent and statutory interpretation prevalent in Common Law jurisdictions. Introduction to Legal English is not a review of English language structure. It is a highly participatory course that requires an excellent command of the English language in order for a student to participate successfully. In all sections, participants will engage in a process of active learning that will improve skills in reading, writing, note taking, and oral communication. The course is taught by a team of law professors with expertise in teaching legal writing to legal professionals who speak English as a second language. Their unique experience enables them to adjust course materials and instruction levels that will challenge the participants.