LEGAL ENGLISH: EFFECTIVE LEGAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR COLOMBIAN

PROFESSIONALS

MAY - JUNE 2014

Professor R. J. Blaise MacLean robert.blaise@urosario.edu.co

Tel. 297 0200 Ext. 456

INTRODUCTION

There is no magic in “Legal English”; it is simply the style of which the English language is used by the legal profession. Generally speaking, English-speaking countries are “Common Law”, (sometimes referred to as “Anglo-American law), and as a result the terms, style and usages reflect legal norms developed under that system (for example the use of the phrase “Without Prejudice”). No one, however, should feel intimidated. If you have a reasonable level of English you will benefit from the course. The object of the course is to familiarize students with the style of English legal communication, as well as the use of common terms. The course seeks to improve written communication by teaching techniques that will convey legal information with brevity and clarity. Obviously, English cannot be taught, or learned, via lectures. Thus, the course methodology will combine in-class practice and some modest amount of homework. The homework and in-class work seek to be practical and context driven. As stated above, Legal English has arisen in the context of the common law. A background in the common law is, however, unnecessary. Where required, the legal background will be explained.

OUTLINE OF CLASSES

Introduction

Concepts of english legal communication

Contract law

Corporations

Litigation: civil remedies

Sale of goods

Part 1: secured transactions

Part 2 midpoint evaluation

Real property

Taxation terms

WTO (OMC) concepts

Legal writing

Oral skills and final evaluation

PROFESSOR

Robert Blaise Maclean LLB Bachelor of law. Dalhousie University Law School; B.Ed Bachelor of Education. York University; profesor de la Universidad del Rosario.

Nota: Programación y conferencista sujetos a cambios por motivos de fuerza mayor.