Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to the paralegal profession and the role of the paralegal within the law office. This survey course will introduce the student to the American legal system, civil litigation, criminal law and procedure, the appeals process, and substantive legal topics such as tort, contract law, and property law. Students will be taught a variety of administrative skills necessary in a law practice office including legal research, legal vocabulary, critical reading and writing, client interview, investigation, law office administration, and technologies. Legal ethics, professionalism, and biblical worldview will be taught.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to expose the learners to introductory-level essential elements of the legal system and the paralegal profession as well as introduce critical thinking skills on biblical, ethical, and legal levels as related to the study of Paralegalism. Look over my recommended prerequisite courses at Liberty University if you need help deciding.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. 1. Explain the role of a paralegal and the skills necessary for the profession.
   2. Identify rules of ethics and professional responsibility that govern legal professionals.
   3. Explain basic law office practices and forms of client communication.
   4. Discuss the American legal system as well as the civil, criminal, and appellate legal processes.
   5. Recognize general legal principles and rules of law.
   6. Employ critical thinking skills by utilizing appropriate legal analysis and vocabulary in the production of written discussions pertaining to legal issues.
   7. Analyze all of the preceding in light of a distinctly evangelical Christian worldview.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings, articles, bible readings, and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (6)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. The purpose of the course Discussions is to generate interaction among students in regard to relevant current course topics. The student is required to post 1 thread of at least 300 words. The student must also post 2 replies to classmates’ threads of at least 125 words. For each thread, the student must support his/her assertions with at least 2 sources in the current Bluebook format. Each reply must cite at least 1 source in the current Bluebook format. Acceptable sources include the course textbook, the Bible, and legal sources.

Quizzes (8)

There will be 8 open-book/open-notes quizzes that will be completed during the Module: Week in which they are assigned. Each quiz will contain 25 multiple-choice questions and will cover all of the required Learn materials found in that Module: Week. The student will have 1 hour to complete each quiz.