Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

In classroom before or after class, or online with Zoom.

Office Hours

By appointment only.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-1307-002 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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

In this course, you are expected to read all assigned materials and agree to abide by the rules and guidelines presented in the department academic integrity policy; by submitting an assignment, you acknowledge this policy. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VG1NSpxZzc8HDz_ElcnwYALIMYy-tCSl/view?usp=drive_link

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

Paralegal Today: The Legal Team at Work, 8th + LMS Integrated for MindTap® Paralegal 
ISBN: 9780357484098

Supplies

Three ring binder or folder with 3 brads (for portfolio)

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 a 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 a paralegal.
  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.
  9. Understand how to draft a case brief.

 

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.

6. Class will provide a platform for discussion, which must be respectful and tolerant of other people's beliefs and rights.

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. If you must take a call, please exit the classroom and step away into the atrium outside the elevators. 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

PROJECT AND TESTING POLICY

Specific dates when projects are due and exams held are provided on the next page.  These dates are adhered to unless changes are announced in class and online through Blackboard.

All tests will be conducted online unless otherwise notified.

Late assignments are not accepted unless there is prior communication with the instructor and permission is granted. In a professional legal office, miss a deadline is unacceptable. 

If you are assigned a group project and you do not participate in the project development or the group presentation, you will receive a grade “0” for the project.

If any changes are made, they will be announced in class and through AC online, so it is important you check AC Online regularly for updates.  If you are not going to be present on the evening of a major test, you are required to contact me by e-mail at e0279327@actx.edu prior to the test or you will not be allowed to make up the test.  If you contact me, we will make arrangements for a make-up exam.

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.

TUTORING POLICY:  IF A STUDENT MAKES A GRADE BELOW 70 ON ANY ASSIGNMENT OR EXAM, THAT STUDENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF 1 HOUR IN THE APPROPRIATE TUTORING CENTER OR APPROVED TUTORING RESOURCE WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF RECEIVING THAT GRADE.

ATTENDANCE AND GRADES

This class is a college level course, and as such, your attendance is your business. However, should your attendance be lacking and a request be made for leniency regarding grades or for extra-credit, you may be denied the request. Attendance and participation are one grade (hint: the classroom is where a lot of participation will take place).

The final grade will be calculated as follows:

  • Attendance/Participation                                 10%
  • Court Observation Paper                                15%
  • Quizzes/Exams                                               20%
  • Pro Se Clinic Portfolio/Drafting                       20%
  • Student Engagement/Movie Assignment       15%
  • Final Exam                                                      20%

C is the minimum grade required for all Legal 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

EASTER EGG opportunities - At times, an email will be sent to the class and there will be an opportunity for you to earn bonus points/extra credit points to be applied to your final exam. A maximum of 15 points per Easter Egg will be awarded, with a total maximum of 150 bonus points to be added to your final exam grade (per semester). In order to earn points, you must submit an email (e0279327@actx.edu) before the beginning of the next class, and you are given one opportunity per Easter Egg. 

Attendance

 

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

WEEK

CLASS DATE*

DISCUSSION/LAB (due dates are AFTER the assignment)

WEEK 1

 

WEEK 2

Aug. 24

 

Aug. 31

  • Orientation
  • Introductions/Syllabus
  • Definition and Roles of Paralegal
  • Discuss Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
  • Resource Guide

Assignments:

  1. Discussion post – Introduction

DUE 09/03/23 at 11:50 pm

  1. Read Chapters 1 – 2 (available in Blackboard)
  2. Resource Guide – review the links and inform yourself of the relevant information related to the career you are aiming for

WEEK 3

Sept. 7

  • Discuss Chapter 3
  • Discuss Paralegal Ethics, UPL, Responsibilities

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapter 3 and 4
  2. Resource Guide
  3. Discussion post – Ethics

DUE 10/02/23 by 11:50 pm

  1. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 3 and 4

DUE 10/02/23 at 11:50 pm

WEEK 4

Sept. 14

  • Discuss Chapter 4
  • Discuss history of law system
  • Prepare for Quiz over Chapters 1-4

Assignments:

  1. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 3 and 4

DUE 10/02/23 at 11:50 pm

  1. Quiz – Chapters 1-4

DUE 10/02/23 at 11:50 pm

  1. Read Chapters 5 and 6

WEEK 5

Sept. 21

  • Discuss Chapters 5 and 6

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapters 7 and 8

DUE 10/02/23 at 11:50 pm

  1. Quiz – Chapters 1-4

DUE 10/02/23 at 11:50 pm

 

WEEK 6

Sept. 28

  • Discuss Chapters 7 and 8

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapters 18-19
  2. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 17, 18, 19

DUE 12/01/23 at 11:50 pm

WEEK 7

Oct. 5

  • Discuss Chapters 17, 18, and 19

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapter 17
  2. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 17, 18, 19

DUE 12/01/23 at 11:50 pm

WEEK 8

Oct. 12

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapter 9

 

 

Oct. 16-20

FALL BREAK

WEEK 9

Oct. 26

  • Discuss Chapter 9

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapter 11 and 13
  2. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 10-14

DUE 12/01/23 at 11:50 pm

 

WEEK 10

Nov. 2

  • Discuss Chapter 11 and 13

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapters 10 and 12
  2. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 10-14

DUE 12/01/23 at 11:50 pm

WEEK 11

Nov. 9

  • Discuss Chapter 10 and 12

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapter 14
  2. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 10-14

DUE 12/01/23 at 11:50 pm

WEEK 12

Nov. 16

  • Discuss Chapter 14

Assignments:

  1. Read Chapters 15 and 16
  2. Mindtap – Complete Ch. 10-14

DUE 12/01/23 at 11:50 pm

WEEK 13

NO CLASS

  • Discuss Chapters 15 and 16

 

Nov. 23-24

THANKSGIVING BREAK

 

WEEK 14

Nov. 30

  • Class Discussion – AI in law

Assignments:

  1. Quiz – Chapters 10-14

DUE 12/10/23 at 11:50 pm

2. Court Observance Assignment

DUE 12/10/23 at 11:50 pm

 

WEEK 15

Dec. 7

  • Document drafting/legal research

Assignments:

  1. Court observance assignment

DUE 12/10/23 at 11:50 pm

WEEK 16

Dec. 14

  • Court Observation Assignment is DUE 12/10/23!
  • Class Discussion – (if needed)
  • Happy Last Day of Class!

 

   

*Dates subject to change based on progress and discussion of the overall class.

Discussions may be added based on the points and from in-class discussion. Should there be additional discussions, you will be notified by email.

Rev.11/20/23

Additional Information

FALL 2023- Important Dates

Aug. 21 - First Day of Classes

Sept. 4 - Labor Day

Oct. 16-20 - Fall Break

Nov. 21 - Last Day to Withdraw

Nov. 23-24 - Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 11-14 -Final Exams


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

THERE MAY BE OPTIONS OF WHICH YOU ARE NOT AWARE.

Syllabus Created on:

08/29/23 1:43 PM

Last Edited on:

11/20/23 9:59 PM