Legal Studies Course Listings

LEGL 2080 Topics in Law (3)

In-depth study of various law topics: e.g., privacy law, sex-based discrimination, family law, consumer law, criminal law, and juvenile law. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

LEGL 2400 Introduction to Law (3)

(Cross-listed with POLT 2400) Overview of the history and functioning of the American legal system. Covers such topics as the substantive law of torts, contracts, and criminal procedure and terminology, the court system, and the nature of legal reasoning.

LEGL 3000 Legal Ethics (3)

Examines the ethical and professional responsibilities of legal professionals. Students will examine such issues as confidentiality, unauthorized practice of law, and conflict of interest, as well as other ethical concerns likely to face legal assistants. Prerequisite: LEGL 2400, POLT 2400, or permission of instructor.

LEGL 3490 Civil Litigation (3)

Examines civil trial investigation, preparation, and litigation proceedings. Focuses on preparing, analyzing, and summarizing factual information gathered from such sources as client interviews, interrogatories, and depositions. Prerequisite: LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400.

LEGL 3500  Criminal Litigation (3)

This course is an in-depth study of all facets involving criminal law.  Students will study the criminal court system from law enforcement investigations through criminal trial and correctional facilities.  Students will also study United States Constitutional Amendments that deal with criminal law, as well as statutory laws involving crimes against persons and property.  Prerequisite:  LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400.

LEGL 4460 Methods of Legal Research and Writing I (3)

Focuses on analyzing legal reference materials. Includes locating, analyzing, and summarizing state and local statutes, court opinions, and administrative rules. Students also study techniques of legal writing and drafting. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of the instructor or department chair and LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400.

LEGL 4470 Methods of Legal Research and Writing II (3)

Continues LEGL 4460, focusing on the location, analysis, and summarizing of federal statutes, court opinions, and administrative rules. Students continue their study of legal writing and drafting. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of the instructor or department chair, LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, and LEGL 4460.

LEGL 4480 Computerized Legal Research (3)

Acquaints students with the fundamental concepts of locating and accessing legal information utilizing computer technology. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor, LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, and LEGL 4460.

LEGL 4490  Advanced Paralegal Procedures (3)

Teaches students many practical skills applicable to a variety of civil law areas that are needed by paralegals. Some of those skills are case assessment, witness preparation, document acquisition, task-based billing, and recognizing the unauthorized practice of law. Prerequisites: LEGL 2400 and LEGL 4460, or permission of the program director.

LEGL 4600 Legal Studies Seminar (3)

In-depth examination of carefully selected legal subjects, which will involve extensive law-related research and writing. This course is offered periodically and requires focused and intense study. Prerequisites: usually senior standing or permission of the instructor and LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, LEGL 4460, and LEGL 4470. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

LEGL 4800 Advanced Topics in Law (3)

An advanced, in-depth study of law topics directed toward the paralegal student.  Includes topics such as Evidence, Intellectual Property, Probate and Estates, Intellectual Property, Environmental Law, Family Law, Elder Law, Employment Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, or permission of the director.  May be repeated for credit if content differs.

LEGL 4810 Tort Law Practice (3)

This course is an examination of the various causes of action under tort law.  Emphasis will be primarily divided among the three areas of negligence, strict liability and intentional torts, with additional discussion of various business, employment and vehicular torts, as well a some emphasis on legal analysis and discovery as they relate to tort issues. Prerequisites:  Junior standing, LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, or permission of the program director. 

LEGL 4820 Contract Law Practice (3)

Review of substantive law and practical implications for paralegals in the area of interpretation and drafting of contracts, the Uniform Commercial Code and remedies.  Prerequisites:  Junior standing, LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, or permission of program director. 

LEGL 4830 Real Estate Law Practice (3)

This course provides students with a greater depth of knowledge regarding real estate law and practice.  To permit the student to become familiar with standardized forms and contracts that are used in the practice of real estate law.  To permit the student to learn to function as a legal assistant/paralegal in the real property area by preparing actual documents, deeds and contracts based upon an attorney’s instructions.  .  Prerequisites:  Junior standing, LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, or permission of program director. 

LEGL 4840  Corporations and Business Organizations (3)

This course reviews the substantive law and practical implications for paralegals of agency, partnerships, corporations and sole proprietorships in a business environment.  This course is designed to teach paralegals the theoretical and practical skills necessary to be successful in a legal environment engaged in the practice of business organization and operations.  Prerequisites:  Junior standing, LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, or permission of program director. 

LEGL 4850  Computers and the Law (3)

This course will provide student with an overview of computer technology applicable to law office management, document production, scheduling (including docket control), research, litigation support and how to communicate with other systems.  This course will include hands-on computer assignments.  It is designed to train paralegals with the theoretical and practical skills to enable them to work in legal environments that utilize computers.  Prerequisites:  Junior standing, LEGL 2400 or POLT 2400, or permission of program director. 

LEGL 4900 Paralegal Clinical Studies (3-6)

Students are placed in law-related work environments to augment students' knowledge of legal studies, procedures, decision-making, paralegal practices, and related areas. A total of 6 credit hours of clinical studies (internships) may be used to satisfy departmental degree requirements, with a maximum of 3 credit hours counting as upper level coursework. Prerequisite: completion of all paralegal certificate courses with a grade of C- or better. May be repeated for credit.

LEGL 4910  Senior Overview (3)

This is a capstone course for senior legal studies students.  Relying on the American Association for Paralegal Education’s Core Competencies for Paralegals Programs, students will demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge they have learned in all of their legal studies courses to practical situations.  Students will complete a portfolio that contains examples of the student’s work, employment cover letter, and resume.  The student’s portfolio should also demonstrate the ability to do basic legal research, draft legal documents, use law office software, summarize depositions, and draft interrogatories.  Finally, students will also have to show their ability to communicate effectively through oral interviews with the professor and potential  employers.  Prerequisites: senior standing and major in legal studies. Prerequisites: senior standing and major in legal studies.