Synthesis: Legal Reading, Reasoning, and Writing, Fourth Edition (Aspen Coursebook)

Synthesis employs a successful step-by-step approach to effective legal reasoning and writing skills, teaching students how to think like a lawyer: how to read the law, how to reason a client s situation, and how to write about the case in different legal forms. One solid case file--the HomeElderCare case involving the unauthorized practice of law--is used to demonstrate how to carefully analyze a case from the initial client interview through appellate argument. Maintaining a pedagogy designed to teach students in a variety of ways, the text incorporates numerous charts and diagrams for visual learners. Exercises--based on tort law issues that are particularly accessible to first-year students--provide opportunities for active application of skills. Also included is complete coverage of memo and brief writing.

Features:

• Utilizes a step-by-step approach
  • guides students through effective legal reasoning and writing tactics
• Teaches how to think like a lawyer
  • how to read the law
  • how to reason a client's situation
  • how to write about the situation in different legal forms
• Uses one case file
  • the HomeElderCare case involving the unauthorized practice of law
  • demonstrates how to carefully analyze a case from the initial client interview through appellate argument
• Maintains a pedagogy designed to teach in different ways, with numerous charts and diagrams for visual learners
• Employs vigorous exercises
  • based on tort law issues particularly accessible to first-year students
  • provides opportunities for active application of skills