LAWS 1100 - The Paralegal Profession

4.5 Credits

Students learn the basics about the paralegal profession and the role of a paralegal as member of the legal team. Students gain knowledge about the American legal system, civil litigation, criminal law and procedure, and the appeals process. Students study the basic skills required of a successful paralegal, such as legal vocabulary, critical reading, thinking and writing, interviewing, investigation, legal research, law office administration, and technologies. Throughout this course students gain an understanding of the importance of legal ethics, professional regulation, and current trends and issues in the paralegal field.

Lecture Hours: 4.5
Lab Hours: 0.0
Internship Hours: 0.0
Clinical or Practicum Hours: 0.0

Course Objectives

Discuss the role of the paralegal within the legal profession.
Describe potential employment opportunities for paralegals.
Describe the paralegal workplace (including rules of ethics and professional responsibility that regulate paralegals).
Outline the structure of the American legal system, and basic civil, criminal, and administrative legal procedures.
Explain the process of investigation and interviewing.
Describe the use of technology on the job.
Demonstrate effective communication and critical thinking skills by utilizing appropriate legal analysis and vocabulary in the production of oral and written discussions pertaining to a variety of legal issues.

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