Torts and Personal Injury Law Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-2303-001 Torts and Personal Injury Law

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: LGLA 1307 or Department Chair consent

Course Description

This course presents fundamental concepts of tort law with emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include intentional torts, negligence and strict liability.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Torts Law 6th Edition

                         Author:  J. Stanley Edwards

                         ISBN: 978-1-285-44804-6

Supplies

Student Performance

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

 

(minimum competencies) 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 department/program:

1. Describe and explain the duties, responsibilities, and relationships of the paralegal. (SCANS* Information, Systems)
2. Understand, discuss, and identify the basic and in depth composition of various types of tort actions. (SCANS* Information, Basic Skills)
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ethical guidelines for legal assistants. (SCANS* Resources, Information)
4. Demonstrate basic analytical skills in interviewing and investigation. (SCANS* Basic Skills, Systems, Interpersonal)
5. Complete project requiring basic knowledge in legal research, legal writing, and computer literacy. (SCANS* Information, Technology)
6. Gain experience in and understand of litigation support. (SCANS*Technology)
   
   *Meets Secretary Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)
   
   Technology: Works with a variety of technologies, including performing weekly research assignments. (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)
7. Understanding of how to draft a case brief.

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

Plagiarism, Cheating and Individual Work Ethic:  The Amarillo College policies and Code of Student 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.

A complete statement regarding scholastic dishonesty can be found in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at

http://www.actx.edu/student/responsibilities/

Project and Testing Policy:  Specific dates for project due dates are provided.  These dates are adhered to unless changes are announced in class. If you miss a pop quiz or test, you will be allowed to make-it up with one week after the original test date of the test.  10 points will be deducted as a late penalty.

 

Finally, you are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.  From time to time, supplemental readings and assignments may be made during class, and you are responsible for such readings and assignments even if you are absent. 

 

Assignments:  

 

1. An IFRAC for Problem at the end of the chapter as assigned:
    
2. Answers to all the Review questions at the end of the chapter as assigned.
   • The Review questions will need to be submitted by the designated due date. You must type the answers, and your answers will have to be in complete sentences.

3. You will also be responsible for drafting an Original Petition, an Answer and a set of discovery requests and additional documents. 

4. Discussion Boards, In class assignments and projects
5. Drafting assignments
6. Homework assignments

Late Assignment Policy:  NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. IF AN ASSIGNMENT IS LATE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF "0". No Exceptions.

BE SURE TO SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFORE YOU CHANGE TO NON-CREDIT, DROP, OR WITHDRAW.  THERE MAY BE OPTIONS OF WHICH YOU ARE NOT AWARE.

 

You are responsible for all materials covered and assigned in class.  From time to time, supplemental readings and assignments may be made during class, and you are responsible for such readings and assignments even if you are absent. 

 

Finally, you are responsible for material in your reading assignments for exams regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria:

Class grade will be based upon successful completion of the following:

Final Exam:                                                                                                          25%

Drafting Assignments/Review Assignments/Homework:                                      15%

Quizzes and Tests:                                                                                               25%

Tort Engagement/Collaborative Assignment and Presentation:                            25%

Attendance                                                                                                            10%

 

Grading Scale:           90-100 = A

                                    80- 89 = B

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

                                    60- 69 = D

                                         <60 = F

Attendance

Attendance Policy: Employees in the legal world are expected to be at work each day; therefore, students in paralegal studies classes are expected to be in class promptly and routinely. 

Attendance is required.  Attendance accounts for 10% of your grade.

You are responsible for all materials covered and assigned in class.  From time to time, supplemental readings and assignments may be made during class, and you are responsible for such readings and assignments even if you are absent. 

 

Finally, you are responsible for material in your reading assignments for exams regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.

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            Classes Begin
• March14-20           Spring Break (Campus Closed: 3/14-3/22)
• April 15--17            Easter Holiday (Campus Closed)
• April 18                   Last Day to Drop or Withdraw
• May 9-13              Final Examination week