Legal Research
Department: Professional Pathways
Proficiency in legal research is a vital skill applicable to careers in law firms, corporate legal departments, financial institutions, government, and more. Earners of this badge have successfully completed 3 Bradley University credit courses in Legal Studies and Political Science and have demonstrated the ability to articulate complex legal issues, write clear and well-organized legal documents, and formulate persuasive arguments supported by sound legal reasoning, evidence, and precedents.
Earning Criteria
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PLW 102 | Introduction to Legal Research | 2.0 |
| PLS 360 | Judicial Politics | 3.0 |
| PLS 485 | Research | 1.0-6.0 |
| or PLW 400 | Capstone Experience | |
| Total Hours | 6-11 | |
- Badge earners have earned a B or higher in Bradley University's PLW 102 Introduction to Legal Research. Industry-based competencies include navigating legal databases, identifying primary legal sources, correctly applying Bluebook/ALWD format rules to legal citations, and evaluating the relevance and reliability of legal materials. Earners have been assessed through practical exercises and two extensive research projects requiring thorough research, quality analysis, and written clarity.\
- Badge earners have also earned a B or higher in Bradley University's PLS 360 Judicial Politics. Industry-based competencies include critically analyzing legal cases, crafting research that integrates theoretical concepts with empirical observations, and effectively communicating ideas persuasively, both verbally and in writing. Earners have been assessed through in-class simulations of plea-bargaining and jury deliberation, courtroom observation research papers, and case study exams.
- Earners have also earned a B or higher in Bradley's PLS 485 Research, OR PLW 400 Capstone Experience. Industry-based competencies include articulating legal problems clearly, navigating diverse legal resources to gather info, articulating findings, arguments, and solutions effectively, and advocating for specific legal positions or solutions to address societal issues. Earners have been assessed on a written research proposal, final law review article, and an oral presentation of findings.