Introduction to Legal and Paralegal Studies

Catalog description

(Formerly PLG 100) This course provides an overview of the American legal system. It focuses on the sources of our laws, the court systems, substantive laws, and legal terminologies. A key component of teaching includes the difference between model documents and plagiarism. Statutory and ethical rules pertaining to unauthorized practice of law, legal professionals’ responsibility in maintaining honesty, integrity, and candidness with the courts are weaved throughout student learning. While developing critical thinking and legal reasoning skills, students will be introduced to such concepts as the constitutional foundation of the American legal system, federalism, differences between the federal and state legislative and judicial jurisdiction, and hierarchy of court systems.