Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions Syllabus for 2013-2014
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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.

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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

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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Course

LGLA-1307-001 Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills \ Corequisite: POFL 1305

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the law and the legal professions. Topics include legal concepts, systems and terminology; ethical obligations and regulations; professional trends and issues with particular emphasis on the paralegal.

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

None

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE

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.
2. Understand, discuss, and identify the basic composition of court/judicial systems. 
3. Demonstrate knowledge and elementary procedures for producing professional correspondence and resumes required for employment. 
4. Discuss the professional ethics and regulations for paralegals. 
5. Demonstrate basic analytical skills in interviewing and investigation. 
6. Complete projects requiring basic knowledge in legal research, legal writing, and computer literacy.
7. Identify and complete elementary tasks to demonstrate knowledge of proper procedures in various legal office environments.
8. Gain experience in and understanding of litigation support and administrative advocacy.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

\ I. Students and teachers have obligations to each other.

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\ II. What I expect from students:

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\ You will treat everyone in the class with the respect due all human beings.

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\ You will do the work outlined in the syllabus on time.

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\ You will not plagiarize or otherwise steal the work of others.

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\ You will accept the consequences – good and bad – of your actions.

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\ III. What students can expect from me:

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\ I will treat you with the respect due all human beings.

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\ I will treat you as an individual.

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\ I will not discriminate against you on the basis of your identity or your viewpoints.

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\ I will manage the class in a professional manner.

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\ I will respond to student email within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays.

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\ I will pursue the maximum punishment for plagiarism, cheating, and other violations of academic integrity.

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\ I will keep careful records of your performance and progress.

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\ I will make myself available to you for help and am willing to discuss anything even tangentially related to this class, college, law school, or the legal profession.

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\ I will respect the fact that you have lives and commitments outside college, but I do not consider those to be excuses for not being prepared.

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\ If I am notified in advance, I will make every reasonable effort to accommodate particular situations that may arise in your life.

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\ I will make every reasonable effort to accommodate sudden, unexpected, extraordinary situations that are impossible for you to notify me about in advance.

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\ I will maintain confidentiality concerning your performance.

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\ I will provide you with professional support and write recommendations for you, if appropriate.

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\ I will be honest with you.

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\ Your grade will reflect the quality of your work and nothing else.

Grading Criteria

1.  

 

Exams	50%
Assignments	50%

 

Attendance

No attendance information available

Calendar

Additional Information

SPRING 2014 - Important Dates

January 21	First Day of Classes
March 10 – March 16	Spring Break (faculty and students)
March 13 – March 16	AC Closed – Spring Break
April 14	Summer & Fall Registration Begins
April 18 – 20	AC Closed – Easter Holiday
April 24	Last Day to Withdraw – SPRING 2014
May 12 – May 16	Finals Week
May 16	Commencement Ceremony (7 pm)