Legal Education (LEX)

This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system, and an emphasis is placed on the role of professional and legal ethics. Topics include regulations, ethics, case analysis, legal reasoning, career opportunities, professional organizations, terminology and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the role of a paralegal and identify the skills, knowledge, and ethics required of paralegals.

This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law; effective legal writing, including proper citation; and the use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

This course covers advanced topics in legal research and writing. Topics include more complex legal issues and assignments involving preparation of legal memos, briefs, and other documents and the advanced use of electronic research methods. Upon completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques covered in the course.

This course covers traditional tort concepts and the evolving body of individual rights created by statute. Topics include intentional and non-intentional torts with emphasis on negligence, strict liability, civil rights, workplace and environmental liability, remedies, and damages. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, explain, and evaluate elements of civil injuries and related defenses.

This course introduces the structure of the legal system and the rules governing civil litigation. Topics include jurisdiction state and federal rules of civil procedure and evidence. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in pre-litigation matters and preparation of pleadings and motions.

This course covers advanced topics in the civil litigation process. Topics include motions, discovery, and trial and appellate procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in preparing and organizing documents for trial, settlement and post-trial practice.

This course covers legally enforceable agreements, forms of organization, and selected portions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Topics include drafting and enforcement of contracts, leases, and related documents and selection and implementation of business organization forms, sales, and commercial papers. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the elements of a contract, prepare various business documents, and understand the role of commercial paper.

This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused. Topics include elements of state/federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues, pre-trial and trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing a criminal case.

This course introduces the study of real property law. Topics include the distinction between real and personal property, various estates, mechanics of conveyance and encumbrance, recordation, special proceedings, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify estates, forms of deeds, requirements for recording, and procedures to enforce rights to real property.

This course introduces the fundamentals of investigation. Topics include compiling/assembling data for cases; investigative planning/information gathering techniques; locating/interviewing witnesses; collection/preserving/evaluating sufficiency/admissibility of evidence; preparation of reports; and evidence presentation at depositions/court proceeding. Upon completion, students should be able to plan/use investigative checklists, understand/demonstrate investigative techniques, prepare reports, and enhance verbal and interpersonal communications skills and interviewing techniques.

This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients, gather information, and draft documents related to family law.

This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate, estate administration, and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation, and explain terms regarding trusts.

This course provides an overview of law office management and organization. Topics include office forms, filing systems, billing/time keeping, computer systems, calendar systems, library administration, case management, office/personnel procedures, ethics, and technology. Upon completion, students should be able to establish and maintain various law office systems, monitor case progress, and supervise non-lawyer personnel.

This course reinforces legal ethics and the role of the paralegal in a professional work environment. Topics include a review of ethics, employment opportunities, and search techniques; paralegal certification and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the paralegal's role in the ethical practice of law.