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Course Syllabus

LGLA1307 - Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions

Catalog 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 emphasis on the paralegal's role. Lecture Hrs = 3, La

Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: READ 301 or ESOL 311 or equivalent

Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours per Week:
Contact Hours per Semester: 48
State Approval Code: 2201030000

Course Subject/Catalog Number: LGLA 1307
Course Title: Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions

Course Rationale:

This course is the beginning course in paralegal studies and is a prerequisite to all other courses.

Learning Objectives:

Develop a legal vocabulary; explain fundamental legal concepts and systems; explain the ethical obligations of the legal professions with particular emphasis on the paralegal's role; and discuss topics relating to the paralegal profession.  Define and use legal terminology; understand basic civil procedure and the organization of the court system, and basic concepts of different areas of law.

Specific Tasks Accomplished:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to accomplish the following tasks:

  1. Develop a legal vocabulary
  2. Explain fundamental legal concepts and systems
  3. Explain the ethical obligations of the legal professions with particular emphasis on the paralegal’s role
  4. Discuss topics relating to the paralegal profession
  5. Explain the composition, location, and jurisdiction of all Texas courts and the federal courts
  6. Describe the process a civil lawsuit passes through, from initiation to final disposition
  7. Draft a petition initiating a lawsuit with the aid of a document assembly program

Grading Policy:

Your grade will be determined from....

Three equally averaged tests 90%
Written assignment(s) 10%

Textbook Requirement:

  1. Textbook listed in bookstore
  2. Law Dictionary is recommended

Other: