Discipline: Legal Assisting (Paralegal Studies) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Paralegal Studies 10


COURSE DESCRIPTION
10 Introduction Paralegal Studies Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
An overview of the role of the paralegal. Introduction to administrative, civil, criminal and business law; and the court system. Emphasis on legal terminology and ethics of the legal profession. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
An overview of the role of the paralegal. Introduction to administrative, civil, criminal, and business law; and the court system.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Evaluate the area of law in which the paralegal would like to
      practice.

2.   Demonstrate an ability to use legal terms.

3.   Distinguish between the judicial and administrative systems.

4.   Compare the role of the paralegal with that of the lawyer.

5.   Describe and contrast procedures involved in various areas of law.

6.   Evaluate and explain the mechanics of administrative agencies as
      they relate to the court system.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

1.   Today’s Professional Paralegal areers in the Legal
      Community
2.   Regulation of Legal Professionals
3.   Ethics and Professional Responsibility
4.   Working in a Law Office
5.   Sources of American Law
6.   The Court System and Alternative Dispute Resolution
7.   Fundamental Legal Concepts
8.   Corporate Law and Government Regulation
9.   Civil Litigation - Before the Trial
10. Trial Procedures
11. Criminal Law and Procedures
12. Administrative Law and Procedures
13. Conducting Interviews and Investigations
14. Legal Research
15. Legal Analysis and Writing
16. Final Exam 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Multimedia
  • Case Studies
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Essays
  • Problem solving exercises
  • Discussion
  • Objective-type examinations
  • Term project
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Miller and Urisko. West’s Paralegal Today: The Legal Team At Work. any: West Publishing Co., 1995.
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