Paralegal Technology (PGL)

Introduces the structure and functions of the American legal system, including federal and state courts, civil procedure, and the roles of legal professionals. Explores key areas of substantive law such as torts, family law, property, contracts, business organizations, and probate, while developing foundational legal vocabulary and analytical skills. Addresses jurisdiction, legislation, administrative authority, and professional ethics, providing a broad overview of how law is created, applied, and interpreted in the United States. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces the basic sources of American law and the fundamentals of legal research and analysis. Locates and interprets primary and secondary authority, briefs cases, applies legal citation, and uses online research tools while observing ethical standards in legal practice. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hour).

Provides practical application of daily legal office skills needed in the legal profession, history of the profession, professional ethics through fact analysis, and an overview of law office management. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces and examines the principles and procedures of family law, including marriage, premarital agreements, annulment, divorce, spousal support, property division, child custody, child support, guardianship, adoption, and related issues. Emphasizes legal research, case analysis, and ethical responsibilities while preparing students for the practical duties of a paralegal in a family law practice. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Develops foundational skills in legal writing and research for paralegal practice. Emphasizes retrieving and citing legal authority, performing written legal analysis, and drafting professional legal documents and client communications. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Presents the litigation process from initial case development through discovery, trial, and appeal, with emphasis on the structure of the court systems and the ethical standards governing legal practice. Teaches to gather, summarize, and organize information and evidence; maintain docket and file control; and interview clients and witnesses. Emphasizes collecting and managing discovery materials, understanding the limits placed on discovery by federal and state rules of civil procedure, and preparing for both trial and appellate proceedings. Prerequisite(s): PGL 111 and PGL 112. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces and examines the fundamental principles of real property law, including ownership, interests in land, liens, encumbrances, and the various types of deeds. Focuses on the preparation and analysis of legal documents related to real property as recorded in public offices such as the clerk's, tax assessor's, and circuit clerk's offices. Explores the concepts of title abstracts, preparation of a real estate file from transaction through closing, and post-closing, and apply ethical standards throughout each stage of the processes. Pre-requisite(s): PGL 111 and PGL 112. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces and examines the fundamental principles of laws of inheritance and estates, trusts, basic concepts of estates and wills, probate procedures, and preparation of documents while emphasizing ethical legal practices. Focuses on the paralegal's role in drafting documents, conducting legal research, and assisting attorneys in estate planning and administration. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces and examines the principles of tort law, including intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, malpractice, and products liability. Emphasizes the elements of tort claims, defenses, damages, and remedies, along with legal research, case analysis, and ethical responsibilities relevant to tort practice. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces and examines the ethical rules and regulatory standards governing attorneys and paralegals. Explores key topics such as confidentiality, conflicts of interest, competence, fees, client funds, advertising, and the unauthorized practice of law, as well as the consequences of ethical violations. Emphasizes identifying misconduct, researching ethics authority, and understanding the paralegal's professional responsibilities. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Integrates knowledge and skills gained throughout the Paralegal Studies program. Applies legal research, analysis, drafting, and ethical decision-making across multiple areas of law. Prepares the student for paralegal practice entry and must be taken during the final semester. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours).

Integrates knowledge and skills gained throughout the Paralegal Studies program. Prepares the student to assume the role of paralegal in a professional workplace and emphasizes continued skill development and professionalism including ethics, integrity and collaboration. Applies legal research, analysis, drafting, and ethical decision-making across multiple areas of law in a supervised learning experience. Pre-requisite(s): Consent of Program Coordinator. Lecture: 1 credits (15 contact hours); Practicum: 2 credits (120 contact hours).

Prepares registered nurses to enter the specialized field of legal nurse consulting. Teaches nurses to bridge the gap between medicine and the judicial system by applying clinical expertise to legal cases. Covers the American legal system, analysis of medical records, report writing, and serving as an expert witness in cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers' compensation. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).