LAWS100 Introduction to Paralegal Studies

Department of Business Studies: Paralegal/Law

  1. Course Number and Title

    LAWS100 Introduction to Paralegal Studies

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    A survey course encompassing the varied duties of a paralegal as practiced in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. This course describes work done by legal assistants in the areas of litigation, civil procedure, family law, criminal law, commercial law, corporate law, estates and trust, and creditors’ and debtors’ rights.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. General knowledge of the elements of civil procedure and practice as it relates to those areas of litigation routinely encountered in the general practice of law.
      2. An exposure to the practical aspects of assisting a lawyer to serve clients in numerous areas of specialization likely to be encountered in a law office.
      3. Acquisition of knowledge of the function and operation of courts and administration agencies in particular areas of a law practice.
      4. Fundamentals of the business management of a law office, including billing practices, communication with clients, and systemization of law office operations.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. Introduction
      2. Regulation of Legal Professional
      3. Working in a law office
      4. Sources of American law
      5. Court System
      6. Fundamental Legal Concepts
      7. Corporate Law and Government Regulations
      8. Court Visitation
      9. Civil Litigation-Before the trial
      10. Criminal Law and Procedures
      11. Conducting interviews
      12. Legal Research
      13. Online Research
      14. Legal analysis and writing
      15. Review of written assignments and critiques

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      See course outline for required textbook

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    1. METHOD OF EVALUATING STUDENT PERFORMANCE:
      1. Three major exams
      2. Written homework assignments
      3. Class participation
    2. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
      1. Reading Assignments
      2. Lecture and discussion
      3. Class discussion of written assignments
      4. Video tapes with written assignments

Review/Approval Date - 3/99