| Introduction to Law for Paralegals (Paper-Based) |
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| Overview: |
| Get introduced to general legal concepts. Acquire the practical knowledge of the duties, skills, and responsibilities of a successful paralegal. Part of the Paralegal Studies Certificate.ACE College Credit Recommendation Service reviewed.
In this independent study paper-based course, you submit assignments to an instructor, who grades them and gives you feedback. Textbook must be purchased separately. Take up to one year to complete. |
| Who Should Attend? |
| Anyone who wants to be introduced to the paralegal field. |
| Additional Information: |
| Order textbooks from Specialty Books. Select subject area Paralegal Studies, then select course. |
| Syllabus: |
Syllabus -- Introduction to Law for Paralegals, LAWS1110C, Grad. School, USDA
Required Textbooks:
Order textbooks from Specialty Books
- Lesson 1. Introduction to the Course
Students are presented with an overview of the Paralegal profession, and the role that paralegals play within our legal system. Students are introduced to the court system in the United States, and to the different divisions and sources of law. After completing this lesson, students will be familiar with basic terminology unique to the legal profession. Basic legal interviewing skills are also introduced.
- Lesson 2. Reading and Briefing Court Opinions
Students will learn how to locate, understand, and brief cases. This lesson introduces students to the essential elements of court opinions; how to identify key facts relied upon by the court; and how to identify primary points of law in a decision.
- Lesson 3. Legal Analysis and Writing Skills
Students will be able to analyze statutes and regulations, apply them to a specific set of facts, and reach a conclusion. Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to write well-organized, concise, legal memorandums.
- Lesson 4. Legal Research
Students will gain general knowledge about the physical layout of a law library; will be able to identify books and other important legal research tools typically found in a law library; and will learn how locate and use research materials within the library.
- Lesson 5. Professional Responsibility
Students are introduced to ethical guidelines governing the professional conduct of paralegals, by examining the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility of the National Association of Legal Assistants; the National Federation of Paralegal Association's Affirmation of Professional Responsibility; and the Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants, Annotated.
- MIDTERM EXAMINATION
- Lesson 6. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
To introduce students to key features of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; familiarize students with documents commonly involved in civil actions and their format; and provide an overview of general litigation procedural matters.
- Lesson 7. Discovery
Students are introduced to available methods of collecting information to be used at a trial. Sanctions available for failure to cooperate during the discovery phase are explained.
- Lesson 8. Property
Students are introduced to basic concepts and terminology concerning property law. Upon completing this lesson, students will be familiar with the basic steps involved in a typical sale of residential property.
- Lesson 9. Family Law
Students analyze the basic distinctions between a dissolution of marriage and an annulment; students will be familiarized with the various legal documents typically involved in these kinds of disputes; and will be introduced to procedures involved in a simple, uncontested suit for dissolution of marriage.
- FINAL EXAMINATION
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