Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

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

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Course reference and reading materials may be accessed through the LGLA 1307 course in Blackboard.

Supplies

\ 3-ring binder to hold portfolio contents.

Student Performance

\ LEARNING OUTCOMES

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\ This course serves as an orientation to the legal field and the paralegal profession. Students will acquire knowledge pertaining to job demand, salaries, certifications, specializations, professional organizations, and regulation of paralegals. 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; and discuss topics relating to the paralegal profession.

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\ PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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\ 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:

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

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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.

II. What I expect from students:

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

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

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

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

III. What students can expect from me:

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

I will treat you as an individual.

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

I will manage the class in a professional manner.

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

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

I will keep careful records of your performance and progress.

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.

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.

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

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

I will maintain confidentiality concerning your performance.

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

I will be honest with you.

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

Grading Criteria

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\ \ Attendance \	\ \ 10% \
\ \ Interview a Paralegal \	\ \ 10% \
\ \ Portfolio \	\ \ 40% \
\ \ Midterm \	\ \ 20% \
\ \ Final \	\ \ 20% \

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Attendance

\ You are expected to be prepared for and promptly attend all scheduled class meetings.

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\ Should you miss a class, it is your responsibility to determine what you have missed and to take appropriate measures. I highly recommend that you get notes from someone in class for any class you must miss.

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\ It is your responsibility to initiate a drop or withdrawal through the Registrar's Office. If you stop attending class, but fail to officially withdraw from the course, you will receive a final grade of F.

Calendar

Additional Information

Fall 2014 - Important Dates

August 26	First Day of Class
September 1	Labor Day - AC Closed
September 17	Constitution Day
November 10	Spring 2014 Registration Begins
November 18	Last Day to Withdraw - Fall 2013
November 27 - November 30	Thanksgiving Holiday - AC Closed
December 8 - December 12	Finals Week
December 13	Commencement Ceremony (10am)