College of Law

Ateneo de Davao University

Course Number: LLB 110

Course Title: Legal Writing
Number of Units: 2
Time Frame: First Semester SY 2017-2018
Professor: Atty. Riza Racho-Baldovino, PhD
Associate Professor 6
College of Law
School of Education, Graduate School
Registrar, Ateneo Senior High School
Ateneo de Davao University

Course Description: Legal Writing is the study of effective writing of legal documents
in English. It includes practical exercises of legal written work and
a critical analysis of selected readings and jurisprudence that
stresses the importance and use of effective legal writing.

Course Objective: Legal writing intends to develop in the students the special manner
lawyers write. Knowing that the students possess sufficient
knowledge of the target language, this course aims to focus on
refining their written communication so that they view the
language as a powerful tool to convey their thoughts and opinions
in a more practical, direct, and effective manner.

Course Policies: The students are expected to strictly comply with the following:

a. Use legible handwriting;

b. Take the scheduled three major examinations (preliminary,
midterm, and final) on the set date and time;
c. Take the quizzes on the scheduled date and time;
d. All Legal Writing papers should be given on time;
e. An INC or an FD is equivalent to a 0;
f. The passing grade is 75%;
g. Recon Grade may be given at the option of the professor not
demandable];
h. Raw Score is the grade [No transmutation];
i. The maximum number of absences is five (5) hours; and
j. In case of a valid absence, a major exam must be taken within
three (3) days from the students return to class. An Affidavit
of Absence (with Annexes attached when needed) and the Late

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Course Syllabus for Legal Writing SY 2017-2018 (Atty. Riza Racho-Baldovino, PhD)
 Exam Fee receipt should be presented. Failure to comply
means a grade of 0.

Course Topics: The following shall be learned during the semester:

Preliminary /Advisory Period (6 weeks: June 13 - July 22)

12 sessions (2 hours/week)

1. Foundation for Legal Writing:

a. Effective Writing
b. Effective Paragraphs
c. Effective Sentences
d. Effective Words
e. Eloquence

2. Legal Writing Process

a. Introduction to Legal Analysis
b. Differentiating Legal / Significant Facts vs Narrative Facts
c. Locating and Analyzing the Law
d. Identifying the Legal Issue
e. Formulating Arguments
f. Application of the Law to the Facts

3. Organization of a Legal Discussion

a. Single legal issue using a single case
b. Case synthesis of a single legal issue
c. Multiple legal issues
d. Case synthesis of multiple legal issues

Examination: July 22, 2017 Saturday

Midterm Period (6 weeks: July 24 - September 2)

12 sessions (2 hours/week)

4. The Objective Memorandum

a. Steps in Writing an Objective Memorandum
b. Phases of Writing
i. Prewriting
ii. Drafting
iii. Revising
iv. Editing

Examination: September 2, 2017 Saturday

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Course Syllabus for Legal Writing SY 2017-2018 (Atty. Riza Racho-Baldovino, PhD)
 Pre-Final Period (6 weeks: September 4 - October 13)

5. The Opinion Letter

a. Audience
b. Purpose
c. Conventions
d. Writing Style
e. Tone

Examination: October 14, 2017 Saturday

Course Grade: The grades will be computed as follows:

Periodic Grade = Recitation (5%) + Papers (25%) + Exam (70%)

FINAL GRADE = Prelim Grade + Midterm Grade + Pre-Final Grade

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Jurisprudence for reading:

Villar et al vs T.I.P. et al (G.R. No. L-69198, April 17, 1985)

Mercado et al vs. AMA Computer College (G.R. No. 183572, April 13, 2010)
Garcia vs. The Faculty Admission Committee (G.R. No. L-40779, November 28, 1975)
International School vs. Hon. Quisumbing et al (G.R. No. 128845, June 1, 2000)
People of the Philippines vs. Torres et al (G.R. No. 189850, September 22, 2014)
Candelaria vs. People of the Philippines (G.R. No. 209386, December 8, 2014)
Guzman et al vs. National University et al (G.R. No. L-68288, July 11, 1986)
People of the Philippines vs Hirang (G.R. No. 223528, January 11, 2017)
Sps Nunilo vs. Atty. Alvarez (A.C. No. 9436, August 1, 2016)
In the Matter of the Petition to Approve the Will of Melecio Labrador (G.R. Nos.
83843-44], April 5, 1990)
Grande vs. Antonio (G.R. No. 206248, February 18, 2014)
Sps Juico vs. China Banking Corporation (G.R. No. 187678, April 10, 2013)
Pantaleon vs. AMEX (G.R. No. 174269, August 25, 2010)
People of the Philippines vs. Ramos et al (G.R. No. L-15958, May 31, 1961)
Mari vs. CA (G.R. No. 127694, May 31, 2000)
Rosaldes vs. People of the Philippines (G.R. No. 173988, October 8, 2014)
Londonio vs. Bio Research, Inc (G.R. No. 191459, January 17, 2011)

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Course Syllabus for Legal Writing SY 2017-2018 (Atty. Riza Racho-Baldovino, PhD)
References:

Cruz, I. A. & Quiason, C. D. (2001). Fundamentals of English grammar.

Quezon City: Rex Printing Company.
Dernbach, J. C., Singleton, R. S., Wharton, C. S., and Ruhtenberg, J. M. (1994). A
practical guide to legal writing & legal method. 2nd ed. Colorado: Fred B.
Rothman & Co.
Oates, L.C., Enquist, A. & Kunseh, K. (1993). The legal writing handbook. USA: Little,
Brown & Company (Canada), Limited.
Putman, W. H. (2007). Pocket guide to legal writing. Australia: Thomson:
Delmar Learning.
Shapo, H. S., Walter, M. R., and Fajans, E. (2003). Writing and analysis in the law.
4th ed. New York: Foundation Press.
Supreme Court Reports Annotated (SCRA)
Suires, L.B. and Rombauer, M. D. (1982), Legal writing in a nutshell. Minnesota: West
Publishing Company.
Ulep, M. (2002). Basic legal writing. Quezon City: Rex Printing Co.
Wydick, R. (1985). Plain english for lawyers. 2nd ed. Carolina Academic Press:
Durham, North Carolina

Journals: Lawyers Review

IBP Journal
Mindanao Law Journal

Websites: http://www.chanrobles.com
http://www.lawphil.com
http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph
http://www.ntc.gov.ph/laws-frame.html
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes

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Course Syllabus for Legal Writing SY 2017-2018 (Atty. Riza Racho-Baldovino, PhD)
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Course Syllabus for Legal Writing SY 2017-2018 (Atty. Riza Racho-Baldovino, PhD)