Paralegal Studies Courses

• •  

  • Code

  • Course

  • Credits

• • LAW 101

  • Introduction to Paralegal Studies

  • 3
  This course introduces students to the basic legal principles, practices, and procedures used in the paralegal profession. Topics include an overview of substantive areas of law, as well as law office and courtroom procedures. Students are also introduced to legal research and writing skills. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 123

  • Interviewing & Investigation

  • 3
  This course will provide the paralegal student with a practical understanding of, and hands-on experience in, the skills and techniques of obtaining information with specific emphasis on client and witness interviewing. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101. Prerequisites: LAW 101 and LAW 255.
• • LAW 201

  • Business Law I

  • 3
  This course will introduce the student to the basic concepts and practices in the areas of torts, contracts, sales, and consumer protection law as they relate to business. Corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 215

  • Legal Research & Writing

  • 6
  Students learn how to analyze a legal problem and how to find and interpret case law and statutes applicable to the problem by using primary and secondary reference materials and law finders. Students will be required to write legal memoranda using the law found through their research. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 220

  • Litigation & Procedure

  • 3
  The student learns civil procedure and the role a paralegal plays in litigation by taking a mock case through each stage of litigation beginning with a client interview to the enforcement of a judgment after trial. Students will draft documents involved in litigation. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101. Prerequisite: LAW 101.
• • LAW 255

  • Legal Ethics

  • 3
  This course is designed to introduce and familiarize the student with the basic ethical requirements of the practice of law and how those requirements relate to the paralegal’s participation in the practice of law. The student will learn the rules of professional responsibility and how the rules apply to a paralegal’s relationship to clients, adversary parties, attorneys, courts and the general public. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 209

  • Real Estate Law

  • 3
  This course provides a practical understanding of the basic legal principles related to real estate and the practice and procedures involved in conveyancing. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 225

  • Family Law

  • 3
  This course provides students with the general understanding of the law and procedure involved in separation, divorce, child custody, support, cohabitation, and paternity cases, with an emphasis on the preparation of the forms and documents used in divorce practice. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 230

  • Estate Administration

  • 3
  This course provides students with a general understanding of the law and procedure involved in the administration of testate and intestate estates, wills, estate tax and probate court procedure. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 235

  • Law of Business Organizations

  • 3
  The student will learn the procedure and basic legal concepts involved in the formation and functioning of sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Prerequisite/corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 245

  • Administrative Law

  • 3
  The student will learn the legal concepts and procedures involved in state and federal administrative agencies’ legal proceedings. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 250

  • Bankruptcy Law

  • 3
  The student will learn the basic legal concepts and the procedures involved in personal bankruptcies and business reorganizations. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 297

  • Paralegal Internship

  • 3
  This course will provide an opportunity for the student to observe and participate in the practice of a law firm, government agency, or court, under the supervision of an attorney in practice. Prerequisites: LAW 215, LAW 220, and LAW 255, 30 credits completed and a GPA of 3.1 or higher.
• • LAW 203

  • Cyber Law

  • 3
  Developing computer technology has led to the development of new law relative to both the acquisition of information and doing business in cyberspace. This course will explore the legal issues arising from those changes. While focused primarily on business applications, the material covered will include contracts and torts related to the Internet, intellectual property rights, security, and privacy rights of the Internet user. Court decisions, statutes and administrative rulings will be presented.
• • LAW 207

  • United States Judicial Systems

  • 3
  This course studies the federal and state courts. Topics include the role of the judicial system in society, the structure of the court systems, and how judicial decisions are made. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 210

  • American Constitutional Law

  • 3
  The Constitution and the Supreme Court are studied through history and politics of key constitutional cases. Special attention is given to the nature and source of judicial power. The organization, jurisdiction, procedures, and restraints upon courts, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court, are considered. The establishment of judicial review and its function through time, federalism, due process, equal protection, and the incorporation of the Bill of Rights and civil rights and liberties are studied. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 221

  • Comparative Legal Systems

  • 3
  This course provides an introductory level exploration of the diverse legal systems used in various countries around the world. By understanding the similarities and differences in the systems used in the various countries, students will develop a greater appreciation for the diverse approaches to law, and a better ability to assist a lawyer in representing clients who are from, or are involved in transactions and events occurring in, other countries. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • LAW 260

  • Environmental Law

  • 3
  This course provides students with an overview of government policy relating to environmental law and the statutes and regulations enacted to promote environmental protection. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.
• • CJS 109

  • Criminal Law

  • 3
  This course introduces the student to the principles of criminal liability, elements of crimes, defenses to crimes and parties to crimes in the areas of property crimes, crimes against the person, crimes against habitation, and drug trafficking. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • CJS 122

  • Conflict & Dispute Resolution

  • 3
  A survey of various dispute resolution processes, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and mixed processes. Students will gain familiarity with these processes, rudimentary skills in using them, and experience in how to help choose or build the most appropriate dispute resolution or prevention process. Through simulations and case exercises, theories, tactics, and methods will be applied to the fields of criminal justice, business, law, and labor-management relations. Can be used as a Business or Government elective. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • CJS 224

  • Unequal Justice: Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Class & the Law

  • 3
  Inscribed in large letters above the entrance to the Supreme Court of the United States are the words “Equal Justice under the Law.” These words represent the ideal of the American justice system - that law, legal procedures, and legal systems will treat people equally regardless of their race, gender, ethnic background, or social status. The reality of the criminal justice system, emphasizing historical and political foundations, will be explored through the study of gender, race, ethnicity, and class-based differences in law and criminal justice. Designated as a Criminal Justice course, this course may also be taken as a History/ Government elective. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • LBR 150

  • Labor Law & Legislation

  • 3
  This course offers a comprehensive view of labor law and legislation that has been continuously evolving. It includes the body of law dealing with union and management issues relating to representation, collective bargaining, and contract administration, as well as other laws that govern important aspects of employment in both the private and public sectors.
• • LBR 152

  • Employee Benefit Law & Administration

  • 3
  This course provides an overview of the statutes and cases that define and regulate employment and employee benefits. The course will cover employee privacy in the hiring process, the formation of the employment contract, discrimination in employment practices, fringe and pension benefits, workplace safety, and discipline and discharge.