This
program is designed to teach legal investigation to those interested in
pursuing a new career and those presently working in the legal field.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: After successfully completing the
tests and assignments for this course, you will know:
- the origins
and history of the American legal system
- the meaning
and application of important legal terminology
- ethics for
the law office
- the elements
of tort law and contract law
- the important
rules of civil procedure
- how to interview
clients and witnesses
- how to conduct
a legal investigation: gathering facts, gathering evidence and
taking statements of clients and witnesses
- how to handle
evidence that has been gathered
- the important
rules regarding the admissibility of evidence in court
- how to perform
legal research
- how to create
a freelance legal investigation business
EXPECTATIONS: You will be expected to spend an average
of at least 8 hours per lesson reading and completing writing assignments.
Please note that, barring extenuating circumstances, extensions will not
be granted for this course. 70% is the minimum passing score on all tests
and assignments for this course.
REQUIRED TEXTS: The required texts for this course are
available through The Center for Legal Studies at 800-522-7737.
Federal
Civil Rules Booklet
The following text is recommended but not required:
- Garner, Bryan
A. Black's Law Dictionary, 3rd Pocket
Edition. St. Paul: West Publishing, 2006.
To order the recommended
texts, please call The Center for Legal Studies at 800-522-7737 or email
us at info@legalstudies.com or visit
our online store..
LESSON TOPICS:
Lesson One: Introduction to the American Legal System
Lesson Two: An Overview of Civil Procedure, Contract Law,
and Tort Law
Lesson Three: The Rules of Evidence
Lesson Four: Fact and Evidence Gathering Techniques
Lesson Five: Handling Evidence and Interviewing Techniques
Lesson Six: Legal Research, Ethical Considerations, and
the Job Search
TESTS: For each lesson you will submit a 50-point short
answer/essay exam covering the topics in the assigned reading.
WRITING ASSIGNMENT: You will be asked to complete a writing
assignment worth 100 points, which is due with your Lesson Six assignments.
REFLECTION ASSIGNMENTS: You will also post your responses
to six reflection assignments. These assignments, each worth 10 points make
up your class participation grade. All lesson objectives, assignments, and
tests can be found in the Lesson Material packet.
GRADING
Your grade will be based on your completion of six tests, one writing
assignment, and class participation.
Your final grade will be figured as follows:
- The six tests
are 50 points each and comprise 60% of your grade.
- The one writing
assignment is worth 100 points and comprises 30% of your grade.
- Your participation
in class participation assignments comprises 10% of your grade.
Refund
Policy
- Students have 30
days from the date they register for the text only course to drop the
class and receive a refund less a $50 non-refundable administrative
fee.
- If students drop
after 30 days from their registration date no refund will be issued.
- Materials, including
all printed packets and handouts, must be received by CLS in new condition
no less then 30 days from the date of purchase. No items will be accepted
after 30 days.
|
