LGS 111 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Gain a general perspective of the legal system and the role of paralegals within that system. Topics include court systems, jurisdiction, legal research and writing, civil procedure, criminal law and procedure, legal ethics, investigation and interviewing techniques, torts, contracts, family law, estates and trusts, and alternative dispute resolution. Evaluate client scenarios and understand the variety of lenses upon which the law may be viewed. Lab fee $12.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A .

Location(s) Typically Offered: Arnold Main Campus (MC), Arundel Mills (AM), and Online (OL)

Term(s) Typically Offered: Fall, spring, and summer

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

Identify areas of law that are available for paralegals.
Describe ethical standards and duties that govern paralegals, including the application of the Maryland Attorneys’ Rules of Professional Conduct.
Describe the sources of law, including the distinction between primary and secondary sources as well as substantive and procedural law.
Identify the application of the law across a variety of social and cultural contexts.
Perform, in a simplified way, many of the tasks performed by paralegals.
Locate, analyze, and cite Maryland statutory law, including the Maryland Annotated Code and Maryland Rules.
Locate, analyze, and brief Maryland cases, including using proper citation form.
Conduct fundamental legal research using legal encyclopedia, case digests, cases and statutes.
Display critical thinking skills in analyzing problems, conducting fundamental legal research to solve the problems, identifying diversity elements and cultural awareness in client and third party interaction.
Identify the components of and draft a memorandum of law.