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Legal Studies Certificate The Legal Studies Certificate may be earned as a post-associate degree or the equivalent thereof, or a post-Bachelor degree. It may also be taken in conjunction with any four year degree program, if the Program Director of the student's major accepts the required 18-25 credits as cognates and/or electives. The Program Director may waive up to 7 credits to earn the certificate, based on a student’s background in the legal field. Legal Studies Certificate (Numerals in front of courses indicate credits) 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 6
Orientation/Paralegalism/LEGL 105 Intro to Law/LEGL 111 Legal Research & Writing I/LEGL 211 Legal Research & Writing II/LEGL 212 Computers in Law/LEGL 343 Trial Preparation & Procedure/LEGL 345 Legal Services Internship/LEGL 495 Legal Services Electives
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: LEGL 105: Orientation/Paralegalism An introduction to the role of lawyers and legal assistants/paralegals in the legal process. This course is not considered a legal specialty course. 1 credit LEGL 111: Introduction to Law Introduction to the principles of substantive law essential to the prospective paraprofessional. Included are the areas of tort, contract, criminal and property law. Introduction to the structure of the judicial system and the mechanics of the legal process. 3 credits LEGL 211: Legal Research and Writing I An orientation to the law library and to legal research. Introduction to the sources of law and to techniques for finding statutory, regulatory and judge made laws as well as legal commentaries. Exercises in legal research and writing. 3 credits LEGL 212: Legal Research and Writing II Advanced work in legal research and legal writing. Introduction to legal analysis, focusing on practical assignments which examine in detail the components of court opinions. The course emphasizes case analysis, and the preparation of both informal and formal legal memorandums. Prerequisites: LEGL 111, LEGL 211 3 credits LEGL 227: Contract Law A course to provide an understanding of contracts as developed under common law and legislative directives. Students will evaluate the formation, enforceability, and defenses to contracts. 3 credits LEGL 311: Family Law A course covering the substantive and procedural law concerning divorce, adoption, child custody disputes and visitation rights, duties of support. Prerequisites: LEGL 111, LEGL 211 3 credits LEGL 313: Wills and Estate Administration A course covering the preparation of wills and trusts, the administration of estates and trusts, and tax consequences. Prerequisites: LEGL 111, LEGL 211 3 credits