Techniques of Legal Research builds the foundational research skill every legal studies course depends on — finding and validating primary legal authority.
What LGST 200 covers
Prerequisite: LGST 101. An introduction to common research methods used to locate primary and secondary authority relevant to given topics and issues. The goal is to find valid, relevant, mandatory primary authority.
Topics include the analysis, publication, and citation of judicial opinions and statutory law; the features and use of secondary sources; and various computer-assisted research tools to find and validate primary authority.
Typical LGST 200 assignments
Expect an assignment requiring you to research and cite the specific, mandatory primary authority relevant to a given legal issue.
Key topics in LGST 200
- Primary vs. secondary legal authority
- Judicial opinion and statutory citation
- Computer-assisted legal research tools
- Validating primary authority
Writing tips for LGST 200
Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line
UMGC assignments for LGST 200 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.
Cite actual legal authority, not general legal statements
Legal Studies courses like LGST 200 expect you to cite specific case law, statutes, or rules of procedure behind an argument — not general statements like "the law requires fairness." Evaluators check whether the authority cited is real, relevant, and correctly applied.
Use the required legal writing format precisely
Legal writing assignments (memos, briefs, client letters) follow a specific professional format and structure. Deviating from the expected format — even with strong legal analysis inside it — is one of the fastest ways to lose points in a paralegal/legal studies course.
Stuck on your LGST 200 assignment?
Our writers know UMGC's course structure and this class's typical assignments. Get an original, properly cited paper matched to your syllabus and rubric.
Why students seek help with LGST 200
Students sometimes cite secondary sources or general legal commentary when the assignment specifically requires mandatory primary authority — the rubric typically wants that primary-authority distinction respected.
How GradeEssays helps with LGST 200
Share your research issue and rubric, and your writer will locate and cite the specific, mandatory primary authority the assignment requires.
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Place Your Order View All ServicesPrerequisites and course context
LGST 200 requires Introduction to Law (LGST 101). It is itself the prerequisite for LGST 201 and LGST 300. Note: students may receive credit for only one of LGST 200 or PLGL 200.
Related courses
Frequently asked questions
LGST 200 requires Introduction to Law (LGST 101), and is itself the prerequisite for both LGST 201 (Legal Writing) and LGST 300 (Advanced Legal Research and Analysis).
Students may receive credit for only one of LGST 200 or PLGL 200, since they are the same course under different program numbering.