Legal Studies (PS71)  Technical Certificate of Credit

This course outlines the foundational principles of law and ethics essential for paralegals. Students will explore the structure and function of the legal system, focusing on the role of paralegals within various legal contexts. Key topics include sources of law, court system structures, court procedures, legal research techniques, and the drafting of legal documents. In the ethics component, students will examine the ethical standards and professional responsibilities of paralegals, including client confidentiality, conflict of interest, and professional conduct.

This course equips students with the essential skills of legal research and writing, fundamental to the role of a paralegal. Students will learn how to locate and interpret various sources of law, including statutes, case law, regulations, and secondary sources. Emphasis will be placed on developing effective research strategies. Focuses on the application and reinforcement of basic writing skills, familiarizes the student with types of writing typically engaged in by lawyers and paralegals, and prepares the student for legal writing tasks.

This course focuses on the principles of legal writing, mastering the techniques for drafting clear, concise, and well organized legal documents. This includes memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence. Practical exercises will enhance students' ability to present legal arguments and analyses effectively. Students will study strategies to become proficient in producing high-quality legal documents and conducting thorough legal research, essential for supporting attorneys and contributing to successful legal outcomes.

This course offers an in-depth examination of family law, covering the legal principles and practices relevant to domestic relations. Students will explore key topics such as marriage, divorce, child custody, support, adoption, and domestic violence. The course emphasizes the paralegals role in family law cases, including client interaction, case management, and the preparation of legal documents. Ethical considerations and professional responsibilities specific to family law practice will also be addressed.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of real estate law. Students will learn about the legal concepts and procedures involved in real property transactions, including property rights, ownership interests, land use, zoning, and environmental regulations. The course covers the intricacies of drafting and reviewing key documents such as purchase agreements, leases, deeds, mortgages, and title insurance policies. Students will also explore the processes of real estate closings, financing, and dispute resolution. Emphasis is placed on the paralegals role in supporting real estate attorneys.

This course provides an essential introduction to criminal law and the procedural aspects of the criminal justice system, tailored for paralegals. Students will explore the foundations of criminal law, including the definitions, elements, and classifications of crimes, as well as defenses and penalties. The course delves into criminal procedures, covering the stages from investigation and arrest through trial and sentencing. Key topics include constitutional rights, evidence collection, case preparation, and courtroom procedures. Emphasis is placed on the paralegals role in supporting criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors, including conducting legal research, interviewing witnesses, and preparing legal documents.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of civil litigation, essential for paralegals involved in civil proceedings. Students will learn about the entire litigation process, from the initial client interview through the final resolution of a case. Key topics include the stages of litigation, jurisdiction, pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, trial procedures, and post-judgment actions. The course emphasizes the practical skills needed to assist attorneys in managing civil cases, such as drafting and filing legal documents, organizing case files, conducting legal research, and coordinating discovery. Ethical considerations and the paralegals responsibilities in civil litigation will also be addressed.

This course offers a comprehensive study of contract and commercial law, fundamental for paralegals working in various legal settings. Students will learn about the formation, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts, covering key elements such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual assent. Key topics include breach of contract, remedies, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and various types of commercial transactions. The course emphasizes the paralegals role in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts, as well as assisting attorneys with commercial litigation and transactional matters.

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the laws and procedures governing wills, trusts, and probate administration. Students will learn about the principles of estate planning, the creation and execution of wills, the establishment and management of trusts, and the probate process. Key topics include the drafting and interpretation of wills and trusts, the roles and responsibilities of executors and trustees, and the administration of estates. The course emphasizes the paralegals role in assisting attorneys with estate planning, probate filings, and the management of estate assets.

This course provides an in-depth examination of tort law, essential for paralegals involved in civil litigation and personal injury cases. Students will explore the principles and elements of torts, including intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. Key topics include the legal standards for liability, defenses to tort claims, and the calculation of damages. The course also covers the paralegals role in supporting attorneys with tort cases, including case investigation, client interviews, evidence collection, and the preparation of pleadings and other legal documents.

This course emphasizes essential knowledge and skills for managing a law office and utilizing technology effectively in a legal environment. Students will explore the fundamentals of law office administration, including organizational structures, workflow management, client relations, and financial practices. Key topics include legal ethics, time and billing management, records management, and the integration of technology in law practice. The course covers the use of legal software for case management, document automation, legal research, and e-filing. Emphasis is placed on enhancing productivity.

This course offers a comprehensive examination of bankruptcy law and the legal dynamics between debtors and creditors, crucial for paralegals navigating financial legal matters. Students will delve into the various chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, including Chapters 7, 11, and 13, and explore the processes for bankruptcy filing, debtor rehabilitation, and debt discharge. Key topics include creditor rights, debt collection practices, exemptions, automatic stays, and bankruptcy litigation. The course also covers the paralegal's role in assisting with bankruptcy petitions, creditor negotiations, and bankruptcy court proceedings.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of constitutional law, essential for paralegals navigating the complexities of the legal system. Students will examine the United States Constitution and its amendments, focusing on the principles of federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights. Key topics include the structure and powers of the federal government, judicial review, due process, equal protection, and First Amendment freedoms. The course also covers landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped constitutional interpretation.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the legal and ethical considerations surrounding healthcare delivery and administration, tailored for paralegals in healthcare settings. Students will examine the intersection of law, ethics, and healthcare policy, focusing on the rights and responsibilities of patients, healthcare providers, and institutions. Key topics include healthcare regulations, patient confidentiality, informed consent, medical malpractice, end-of-life decision-making, reproductive law and access to healthcare services. The course also addresses emerging issues such as telemedicine, genetic testing, and reproductive technologies.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of intellectual property (IP) law, crucial for paralegals supporting clients in creative and innovative industries. Students will delve into the legal principles and protections afforded to intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Key topics include the requirements for obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights, the infringement and defense of IP rights, licensing agreements, and international aspects of IP law. The course also covers emerging issues such as digital rights management and the intersection of IP law with technology and innovation.

The Legal Studies Internship course offers students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a legal environment under the supervision of experienced attorneys and paralegals. Through placement in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, students will apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program in a real-world setting. Key components of the internship experience include assisting with legal research, drafting legal documents, conducting client interviews, and supporting attorneys in case preparation and court proceedings. Students will also have the opportunity to observe and participate in meetings, hearings, and other legal proceedings, gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a legal practice.