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Critical Thinking, AI, and Law

Shared on September 9, 2026

Law 101: Introduction to Legal Reasoning

Overview

Michael Lassie, adjunct professor and retired New Jersey attorney, presents the structure and expectations for an introductory legal reasoning course. The lecture covers course logistics, learning objectives, the importance of critical thinking, study strategies, and research tools.

Key Concepts

  • Course Logistics
  • Textbook required; electronic version posted on Canvas.
  • No attendance grade, but mandatory attendance for specific mandatory sessions.
  • Four exams + three quizzes (AI & ethics); participation may earn extra points.
  • No extra credit assignments; disciplinary stance on cheating.
  • Critical Thinking
  • Defined as disciplined analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
  • Core skills: clarity, accuracy, relevance, depth, fairness, open‑mindedness.
  • Rules: define the problem, examine history, test assumptions, seek counter‑evidence, evaluate credibility, consider ripple effects, practice humility, avoid fallacies.
  • AI & Future Employment
  • AI will not replace human judgment; critical thinkers will thrive.
  • AI useful for generating study questions but requires human verification.
  • Study Methods
  • Outlining: Convert lecture notes into organized outlines to aid memory and identify gaps.
  • Practice Questions: Use AI to generate multiple‑choice questions for self‑testing.
  • Research: Transition from traditional digests to online databases (Westlaw, Lexis) and AI tools, but always verify sources.
  • Legal Research & Citation
  • Overview of federal and state case citation formats, statutory citations, and the importance of accurate referencing.
  • Resources: Bluebook for federal, Texas Rules of Form (green book) for Texas, and other state citation guides.

Detailed Notes

Professor’s Background

  • Adjunct professor, part‑time, teaches two classes.
  • Retired attorney (37 years) from New Jersey, practiced in business law.

Course Expectations

  • Bring textbook (or read the e‑version).
  • Read assigned sections before class to facilitate discussion.
  • Attend class for in‑class material not in the book; participation is encouraged.
  • No attendance requirement except a mandatory session on Thursday (attendance recorded).
  • Exams: 4 total; quizzes (short) account for ~7 % of the grade.
  • No curves, no dropping lowest score, no extra credit; extra points may be awarded for in‑class answers.

Classroom Policies

  • No cell phones; leave early only for significant reasons with prior notice.
  • Strict anti‑cheating policy; serious consequences.
  • Encourage debate; maintain civility.

Critical Thinking Rules

  1. Define the Problem
  1. Examine History
  1. Assess Underlying Assumptions
  1. Seek Counter‑Evidence
  1. Evaluate Source Credibility
  1. Consider Ripple Effects
  1. Practice Intellectual Humility
  1. Guard Against Fallacies (ad hominem, red herrings, correlation vs. causation).
  1. Pause before Judgment.

Study Tips

  • Outlining:
  • Identify main topic → subtopics → points → examples.
  • Use numbered hierarchy; include case names where relevant.
  • Review and refine for clarity and conciseness.
  • AI for Practice:
  • Prompt: “Give me five multiple‑choice questions on contract capacity.”
  • Use generated questions for self‑assessment and exam preparation.
  • Research Workflow:
  • Traditional: Digest → Case → Shepard’s.
  • Modern: Keyword search on Westlaw/Lexis → Review synopses → Read full case → Shepherd.
  • AI can suggest cases, but verify facts and citations.

Citation Primer

  • Federal Cases: Volume + Reporter + Page (e.g., Marbury v. Madison, 1 U.S. 137).
  • Federal Appeals: F. series; include circuit and year.
  • District Courts: F.Supp. series.
  • State Cases: State reporter (e.g., NJ, SW).
  • Statutes: Title + U.S. Code (e.g., 42 U.S.C. § 2000).
  • Use Bluebook (federal) or Green Book (Texas) for precise formatting.

Resources

  • Westlaw/Lexis access via university library.
  • Free WSJ subscription through library for up‑to‑date legal/business news.
  • Email & office hours: Tue & Thu, 2–3:15 p.m.; appointments possible.

Final Encouragement

  • Professor stresses that success depends on active engagement, consistent study, and willingness to seek help early.
  • Course is challenging but attainable with effort and proper study habits.


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