Civil Litigation Syllabus for 2011-2012
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

LGLA-1345-001 Civil Litigation

Prerequisites

LGLA 1307 and BCIS 1305 or Department Chair consent
Corequisite: LGLA 2303

Course Description

This course presents fundamental concepts and procedures of civil litigation with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include pretrial, trial and post trial phases of litigation.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

O’Connor’s Texas Rules – Civil Trials 2011 (Student Edition),
ISBN #9781598391343
Authors:  Michol O’Connor and Bryon P. Davis

Supplies

Supplies Needed: Floppy Disk or Jump Stick, 3 Ring Notebook, 2 testing forms to be announced.

Student Performance

The student will develop a legal vocabulary; explain fundamental legal concepts and systems; explain the ethical obligations of the legal professions with particular emphasis on the paralegal's role in the process of civil litigation.

After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Paralegal Studies program:

1. Describe and explain the duties, responsibilities, and relationships of the paralegal (SCANS* Information, Systems)
2. Understand, discuss, and identify the basic composition of court/ judicial systems.
   (SCANS* Information, Basic Skills)
3. Demonstrate knowledge and of the procedural concepts involved in civil litigation.
   (SCANS* Resources, Information)
4. Discuss the professional ethics and regulations for paralegals. (SCANS* Systems)
5. Demonstrate basic analytical skills in interviewing, investigation, and trial preparation.
   (SCANS* Basic Skills, Systems, Interpersonal)
6. Complete projects requiring basic knowledge in instigating and responding to a civil lawsuit, the discovery process, the procedural process, and computer literacy. (SCANS* Information, Technology)
7. Identify and complete elementary tasks to demonstrate knowledge of proper procedures in various legal office environments. (SCANS* Resources)
8. Gain experience in and understanding of litigation support and administrative advocacy.
   (SCANS* Technology)

*Meets Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)

Technology: Works with a variety of technologies. (Selects technology, maintains, and troubleshoots equipment)

Systems: Understands complex interrelationships. (Evaluates, monitors, improves social, organizations, and technological systems)

Information: Acquires and uses information.

Interpersonal: Works with others, serves clients, exercises leadership.

Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources (time, money, material and facilities, human resources)

AAfPE Core Competencies for Paralegal Programs: IA1-9, IB1-4, IC1-6, ID1-6, IE2, IF1-4, IG1-2, IH1-4, IIA1-5, IIB2, IIC2, IIC4

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Plagiarism, Cheating and Individual Work Ethic: I will strictly adhere to the Amarillo College policies and code of student conduct in dealing with plagiarism, cheating and duplication of work product.  Further any suspicion of plagiarism, cheating or duplication of work product will result in a zero on the project or test in question.

Grading Criteria

GRADING CRITERIA:

Mid-Term                    375 points/25 percent
Project Notebook      600 points/40 percent
Final Exam                 375 points/25 percent
Class Attendance     150 points/10 percent

TOTAL                         1500 points

Point Break Downs

Semester Points:
1500 - 1350 = A
1349 - 1200 = B
1999 - 1050 = C
1049 -   900  = D
  899  -       0  = F

Project Notebook:
600 - 540 = A
539 - 480 = B
479 - 420 = C
419 - 360 = D
359 -      0 = F

Tests:
375 - 337 = A
336 - 299 = B
298 - 261 = C
260 - 223 = D
222 -      0 = F

Project and Testing Policy: I have given specific dates for project due dates and tests.  These are to be adhered to unless changes are announced in class.  Test dates have been specifically designated.  If any changes are made, they will be announced in class.  If you are not going to be present on the evening of the Mid-Term, you will be required to contact me prior to the test or you will not be allowed to make up the test.  The Final Exam must be taken on the date and time listed unless prior arrangements are made.  Finally, you are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.

Project Notebook:  You will have multiple (see class schedule) assignments in your project notebook.  The assignments will be handed out on the night indicated in the class schedule.  You can turn in the completed project assignment the next class meeting for brief comments to be handed back within two class meetings.  No grade will be assigned at that time.  I will not accept late papers for comments -- no exceptions.  The project completed notebook will be due on April 19, 2012, again no exceptions.  If you will not be in class, bring it to Mr. Moseley's office and leave it for my attention.  The notebook will be worth 600 points (40% of your grade).  I do not accept any assignments by email.

Attendance

Department Attendance Policy: Employees in the business world are expected to be at work each day; therefore, students in paralegal studies classes are expected to be in class promptly and routinely.  150 points will be given for attendance.  Each class is worth 15 points, except the first class, no excuses, no exceptions for missed classes.  A sign in sheet will be available at the beginning of each class.  If you are late it is your responsibility to sign in at break or before the end of class.  I will check roll from the sign in sheet.

Calendar

Additional Information

\N