Interviewing and Investigating Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-2305-001 Interviewing and Investigating

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: LGLA 1307 or Department Chair consent

Course Description

This course is a study of principles, methods and investigative techniques utilized to locate, gather, document and manage information. Emphasis on developing interviewing and investigative skills to prepare the paralegal to communicate effectively while recognizing ethical problems.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Interviewing and Investigating: Essential Skills for the Legal Professional, Stephen P. Parsons (5th ed., Aspen Publishers, 2013) ISBN 13# 978-1-4548-1813-7

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 ethical requirements of the paralegal.

            (SCANS* Information, Systems)

2.         Understand, discuss, and identify the basic composition of the court/judicial systems.  (SCANS* Information, Basic Skills)

3.         Demonstrate knowledge and elementary procedures for scheduling, conducting and use of interviewing and investigation in the work place.  (SCANS* Resources, Information)

4.         Demonstrate basic analytical skills in interviewing and investigation. 

            (SCANS* Basic Skills, Systems, Interpersonal)

5.         Complete projects requiring basic knowledge in legal research, legal writing, and computer literacy. (SCANS* Information, Technology)

6.         Gain experience in and an 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:  IA6, IA7, IC1, IC2, IC3, ID1, ID2, ID3, IF3, IG1, IH2, IIA1, IIA2, IIA3, IIA4, IIB1, IIB2, IIC1, IIC2, IIC3, IIC4, IIC5, IIC6, IID1, IIE1, IIF1, IIG1, IIG3

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.

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.

WEATHER CLOSINGS If Amarillo college classes are called 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 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

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 material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.

Grading Criteria

Grading:

90-100 = A

80- 89 = B

70- 79 = C (Minimum grade required for all Paralegal Studies majors.)

60- 69 = D

    <60 = F

 

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.  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

Learning by Doing Assignments

Spring 2017

 

Each student will be responsible for the following assignments as set out in the text, unless otherwise noted.     

 

1.         LBD 2-1, P. 45.  Ethics (Element 1)

 

2.         LBD 3-1, P. 88 Court System (Element 2)

 

3.         LBD 4-4, P. 138 Discovery in Civil Litigation (Element 3)

 

4.         LBD 5-5, P. 174 Discovery in Criminal Litigation (Element 4)

 

5.         The assignments under #5 relate to a Case Study which the student will choose depending on his/her particular field of interest:

 

            Criminal Law – The Rowdy Outlaw Case (page 517)

            Personal Injury – The Red Dog Saloon Case (page 520)

            Family Law – The Vidalia Unyon Case (page 522)

            Real Estate – The Rocky Road Project (page 525)

 

            The student will choose one case, and use the case for the following exercises:

 

            a.         LBD 9-1, P. 281.   Plan of Investigation (Element 5)

[You will not be required to present your plan of investigation to the class]

           

b.         LBD 10-2, P. 319.  Fee Agreement (Element 6)

            You will draft a fee agreement for the client and a letter to the client (1) transmitting the fee agreement; (2) briefly describing the initial investigation your office has agreed to undertake on behalf of the client; and (3) estimating the cost and time for completing that investigation

 

c.         LBD 11-1, P. 347.  Interview of Client (Element 7)

You will draft 15 questions for the client and prepare a memorandum to your attorney containing an interview summary and follow-up letter to the client.

 

            d.         LBD 12-1, P. 365.  Interview of Witness (Element 8)

You will draft 15 questions for the witness. You will prepare: (1) a memo summarizing your contact with the witness; (2) a confirming letter to the witness; and (3) any forms you might need for the interview.

 

e.         LBD 13-1, P. 394 Interview of Witness (Element 9)

You will prepare a draft witness statement (see pp. 387-92 for examples).

 

            f.          LBD 14-1, P. 416 Identifying and Locating Fact Witnesses (Element 10)