Research Project on Business Law
Our approach to learning Business Law this semester is to understand the major concepts of business law, and then apply them to actual business situation. For your legal research project, you will investigate in depth a specific legal topic and report on your research in a comprehensive paper. The goal of this paper is to give you the tools you may need in your career when you face a legal issue. You’ll want to do some preliminary research before determining if you should speak to an attorney or utilize an alternative dispute resolution technique.
MY TOPIC:
Laws on classification of workers are independent contractors vs. employees
Since you will have to conduct research for this assignment, we will review how to access Chabot College library and the research tools offered both in the library and online. You’ll also find more information on research techniques in the Legal Research Project folder in the class Canvas “Files”.
Begin your research with your textbook. Get a general understanding of the topic you choose. Your sources much include:
Two additional sources that discuss the legal principles of your topic in depth (another textbook, for example – there are several on reserve at the Chabot Library, a legal dictionary, law journal, or a book on your topic)
One recent (within the past 2 years) source from a magazine that discusses the implications of your topic for business. That source can be a business magazine or legal journal (the online editions of printed magazines are acceptable sources; purely online sources are NOT).
One relevant case – a published appellate course opinion – in the past 10 years that really clarifies the important factors that courts consider when deciding the cases.
Not that you can not use “Internet-only” sources unless they are .gov or .edu or findlaw.com websites. It’s fine to use a online versions of a published magazine. Avoid other types of websites, will not be considered a viable source.
First assignment – once you’ve completed your research, prepare 2 to 3 paragraph summaries of each of your sources for your paper along with a link to that source. Your assignment will be posted to a discussion including the links. Post each source in its own discussion post. Total of 4 sources worth 10 points each.
Finally, compose a 7 or more-page, double-spaced paper based on your outline. Also include a citation page, not included in the 7 pages). Be sure to follow the writing and academic integrity guidelines. Don’t copy from your sources! Your paper must include MLA in-text and a citation page.
Project does not have any attached files
