EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE CB ASSIGNMENTS

An essential part of understanding the law is being able to read, digest, and synthesize legal cases (also referred to as case law or court opinions).  With the CB assignments, we are focused on five essential skills-critical thinking, legal analysis, research, writing, and problem solving. 

As you will see, your text is organized so that each chapter introduces you to the broad legal principle(s) governing a particular area of law.  Within each chapter, there are cases (labeled "CASE" or "Edited Case Law").  These serve the purpose of illustrating to you, with an actual case, the broad legal principles and concepts introduced within the chapter.  In other words, the cases should crystalize the principles by giving you an opportunity to see how they play out in a real legal factual scenario.

LOCATING THE CASES FOR THE CB ASSIGNMENT 

The cases you are to use for the CB assignments are within your required text for the course.  For each chapter within your text, you will select one (1) or two (2) cases for which you will write a CB.  Please be sure to refer to the Reading and Assignment Guide (RAG) so that you know when the CBs are due and for which chapters you will submit CBs. 

COMPLETING THE CB ASSIGNMENT

To complete this assignment, you will need to locate the full text of the court opinion.  The cases presented within your text are not complete.  Presented are only excerpts and summaries of the cases. 

Finding the full opinion will assist you in completing the Material Facts, Procedural History, and Judgment sections of your CB. However, the remaining sections-Points of View, Issues Presented, Application, Conclusion/Holding, Significance/Implications. This aspect of the CB is aimed at developing your research skills.  The process of working through the substance of the case-finding and articulating the material facts, making and supporting points of views, etc. are aimed at developing and/or further honing your analysis and writing skills.