This guide lists the sources that have proven most useful for students completing the spring LRW & AP letter, motion/answer, and pleading writing assignments.
Remember, that librarians are still able to assist Drake students, even if you are remote. Use your Drake email account to email us a request for reference assistance. Librarians will respond during business hours. ( PC/Mac/Android email link and iPhone/iPad email link.)
For additional resources, see the full research guides
Click on the links below to bring up a list of library books that contain samples of each kind of legal writing, as well as information about how to craft them.
Iowa Pleading, Causes of Action and Defenses (LaMarca)
Library Location: Reserve (Information Desk) KFI4735 .L362
This book outlines Iowa civil litigation requirements and includes such appendices as sample forms, statute of limitation lists, and a table correlating Iowa jury instructions, traffic rules, and code sections. No online version available.
Polk County Jury Verdicts: 1993-2002 and 2007-2014
Compiled and categorized by the Polk County Court Administration. The listings include the following data, as applicable: date of trial, type of injury, sex and age of plaintiff, medical special damages, last demand before trial, last offer before trial, and jury verdict and percentage of comparative fault.
What's It Worth? A Guide to Current Personal Injury Awards and Settlements
Library location: Information Desk KF1257 .M9 2012 (older editions in stacks)
This source summarizes personal injury damage awards, with each edition covering a three-year time period.
Note that the most recent print is from 2012. State-specific versions of this source are also available on Lexis (login required).