Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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.

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-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

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

Introduction to Law, Sixth Edition, Beth Walston-Dunham

 

Supplies

None.

Student Performance

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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.

 

GROUND RULES

1. Everyone is expected to be prepared for class and participate in class discussions.

2. Although students should arrive on time and stay for the entire class period, special circumstances arise.  If you arrive late or leave early, please do so as quietly as possible.

3.  Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be permitted.

4.  Please keep cell phones and pagers turned off during class.  If an exception to this policy is necessary, please talk to the instructor before class.

5.  Students are responsible for the material in the reading assignments for tests, regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.

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

Use of Electronic Devices

Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent/vibrate ring during class meeting times. Remove and turn off any blue tooth device. No text-messaging will be allowed during class. Put away your iPods, MP3’s, any other device with recorded music, and the earphones to listen to the music. You will be asked to leave class if you are in violation of this request. You will be counted absent and you will not receive credit for that day’s attendance.

Plagiarism, Cheating and Individual Work Ethic

Amarillo College policies and Student Code of Conduct is strictly adhered to when dealing with plagiarism, cheating and duplication of work product. Any evidence of plagiarism, cheating or duplication of work product will result in a zero on the project or test in question.

Grading Criteria

 

The final grade will be calculated as follows:

• Attendance                        10%
• Weekly Quizzes                 20%
• Court Observation Paper     10%
• Portfolio Assignments        40%
• Final Exam                         20%

C is the minimum grade required for all Paralegal Studies majors

The final grade will be awarded as follows:

• 90% to 100%  =   A
• 80% to 89%    =   B
• 70% to 79%    =   C*
• 60% to 69%    =   D
• Below 60%     =   F

Attendance

Attendance Policy

You are expected to be prepared for and promptly attend all scheduled class meetings.If you attend class, you will get a 100 for that evening; if you do not, you will get a 0. 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. 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.

Weather Closings

If Amarillo college classes are cancelled because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television stations and KGNC radio. The message will also be posted on the college website (www.actx.edu) and the college’s main telephone number. The decision to close evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If no announcement is made by that time, class will be held as normally scheduled.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (L101, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Calendar

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES

• January 18          MLK Birthday Holiday (Campus Closed)
• January 19          Classes Begin
• March 12-20       Spring Break (Campus Closed: 3/19-3/22)
• March 26-27       Easter Holiday (Campus Closed)
• April 21               Last Day to Drop or Withdraw
• May 4                  Last Regular Class Meeting
• May 11                Final Examination Date

BE SURE TO SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFORE YOU DROP OR WITHDRAW.

THERE MAY BE OPTIONS OF WHICH YOU ARE NOT AWARE.