Course Assignments
Settlements & Mutual Release
Rationale for this assignment
After a class discussion to develop a common general understanding of the context and main objectives of the parties, the instructor poses a fact scenario and invites opinion on the impact of the release. Students will also briefly discuss differences in the two settlement documents.
Assignment Description
Two (2) docs to study before class: Settlement Agreement & Mutual Release & Settlement at Mediation (memo of understanding).
For the Mutual Release (a settlement agreement – you need to review only (3) pages ) perform the same kind of analysis as for assignment #2 – that is contact structure form and prepare your 1 page analysis INCLUDING meaningful insightful observations, comments AND questions for our class discussion. No outside reading or research is required—just critical thinking and analysis about the terms of the release. Also review the memo of understanding form made at a mediation and make notes for yourself; but, you do not need to submit anything for that document review. FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT, THERE IS NO NEED TO RESEARCH IN ANY LIBRARY OR ONLINE; THE ONLY TOOL YOU NEED IS YOUR BRAIN.
There are no readings. For the contract structure form, decide where in the form each section fits. The rubric describes the way that your written assignments will be evaluated. For this assignment, the rubric emphasizes: Identify problems or issues (49%) and Integration of course concepts with text and context of agreement (48%). You are reading, reviewing, analyzing & thinking about these agreements and preparing for class discussions. Your 1 page report demonstrates how much work you did for class prep. I’m looking for evidence of effort. In addition to recording on 1 page your questions comments and concerns regarding the agreement, this assignment requires you to submit your contract structure form completed for the mutual release agreement (not the memo of understanding). List the appropriate sections of the agreement on the Contract Structure form.
As discussed in class, you will probably want to make annotations or notes on your copy of the agreements to help you participate in class discussions regarding the contract structure. Think of your 1 page report as your summary of the highlights of your annotations that you will use to guide your questions and comments in class. The essence of your report in this assignment is to write talking points for yourself to help you during our class discussions. The format would be to highlight section numbers together with your meaningful questions or comments various sections of the agreement. Delivering generic ideas regarding settlement agreements or releases is not sufficient. Your comments need to reflect the specific contract terms. I welcome questions by you in class or even better post them on BB’s ”Class Discussions”.