COURSE SYLLABUS

                                                                     INTRODUCTION TO LAW

                                                         LGLA 1311, SECTION 57061-002, ONLINE

                                                                                                         SPRING SESSION 2023                                

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:        MARIO AGUILAR, JD      TELEPHONE:          512-363-8649

 

E-MAIL:                    maguilar@austincc.edu        WEBSITE:    www.austincc.edu/maguilar

 

CLASS TIMES:        Online                        

 

OFFICE:                    RG30 3116                            MAIL:                        1212 RIO GRANDE                                                                                                                         AUSTIN, TEXAS                                                                                                                             78701

 

OFFICE HOURS:    MONDAYS 12:00-1:00 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT

 

 

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

Introduction to Law provides an overview of the law and the legal system.  This course covers the Constitution, court system attorney-client relationship, administrative law, crimes, torts, contract law, family law, owning and operating motor vehicles, renters and landlords, home ownership, employee and employer rights and duties, wills, trusts and probate laws and the Declaration of Independence.  The student will develop the knowledge and skills indicated by the Learning Outcomes for the course.

 

II. REQUIRED TEXTS

 

  Understanding the Law, Seventh Edition, by, John A. McKinsey and Debra D. Burke, ISBN 13:978-1-285-42842-0.

 

 

III. SCAN COMPETENCIES

 

The SCAN Competencies are listed on Attachment A.

 

 

IV. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

 

The course will be taught using any of the following methods of instruction: online, lecture, Socratic Method, class discussion and participation, class presentations, internet exercises, Travis County Courthouse Visit, Judge Presentations and guest practitioners.  Students are expected to have absorbed the assigned material prior to class and to be able to respond to questions on the assigned material.  Additionally, students will brief court cases and will be prepared to discuss on those cases.

 

V. COURSE RATIONALE

 

Introduction to Law is designed to give students an overview of the law and the legal system.  This course will provide students with an overview of legal concepts, procedures, terminology and current issues in law including constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, contracts, family law, renters and landlords, real estate, employment law and wills, trusts and probate.  The course is also designed to develop the student’s issue identification skills.

 

 

VI. COURSE OUTCOMES

 

The Student Learning Outcomes for this course are listed on Attachment B.  The ultimate objective of this course and of the ACC Paralegal Program is to prepare the student to perform well as a paralegal in a broad range of law office/law division environments.

 

 

VII. COURSE EVALUATION SYSTEM

 

A.      EVALUATION

            1.         There will be two MIDTERM EXAMS and a FINAL EXAMINATION which will                      be weighted as follows:

                        A.        Two Midterms (2 X 100 points)                     200 Points

                        B.        Final Exam                                                      100

            2.         Text Chapter Assignments (Please see Chart Below) 50

            3.         Case Brief                                                                     10

            4.         Discussion Board                                                          40

 

                        TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS                            400 Points

 

B.        CHAPTER QUESTION ASSIGNMENTS

You must complete the following chapter assignments.  There are 10 chapter questions assignments.  You are only required to answer one question per chapter.  Each chapter assignment has a value of 4 Points each for a total of 40 Points.  Assignments must be submitted in Blackboard on their respective due dates.

 

Chapters	Assignments	Due Date
Chapter 1	Page 35, Answer Questions 4.	January 18
Chapter 2	Page 82, Answer Question 2.	January 18
Chapter 3	Page 129, Answer Questions 3.	January 25
Chapter 4	Page 178, Answer Questions 2.	January 25
Chapter 5	Page 213, Answer Questions 1.	February 1
Chapter 6	Page 277, Answer Questions 3.	February 15
Chapter 7	Page 334, Answer Questions 12.	February 22
Chapter 8	Page 377, Answer Questions 3.	March 1
Chapter 14	Page 652, Answer Question 4.	March 8
Chapter 9	Page 421, Answer Questions 3.	April 5

 

 

C.        CASE BRIEF

 

            You are required to submit one case brief.  You may choose any case from any chapter in the book.  Note that cases are located at the end of each chapter.  Please refer to Appendix A on your Textbook for brief format.  Case brief must be submitted in Blackboard no later than March 10, 2022.

 

D.        DISCUSSION BOARD

You are expected to read the Chapters and participate in all Discussion Boards to earn the full 40 points.  Ten discussion topics will be established throughout the class.  To earn points you must participate in two ways:  first, you must answer/discuss one of the items I will be posting; secondly, you must comment on two of any of your classmates’ postings.  Comments should be well thought out and in complete sentences.  You should check the bulletin board at least twice a week for any bulletin boards that may be established in order to discuss a topic.  More information about Discussion Board will be provided in Blackboard.

 

D.        The final letter grade in the course will be based upon the percentage of total available points received, as follows:

            A - 90-100%

B - 80-89%

C - 70-79%

D - 60-69%

F - 0-59%

 

E.        MANDATORY ORIENTATION DUE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023

Introduction to Law by open campus (also called self-paced, open campus or distance learning) is now being offered because of the corona virus.  This is an innovative and independent method to complete a course because students cannot attend class on a regular basis because of the corona virus.  Thus, the non-traditional instruction version of Introduction to Law is a viable alternative to the traditional classroom method.  Some students may be concerned about the transferability of distance learning courses. The course content, college credit and transferability of this course are equivalent to those offered in the classroom.

Introduction to Law is an interactive training system that combines electronic learning materials with online instructor guidance and expertise.  It is accessed via the Internet from the student's home or work computer or from any ACC lab at any time. Principles and concepts are presented through the textbook, instructor’s and publisher’s web sites, and Blackboard.

You must have access to the Internet and an email account. The primary framework for instruction is the Internet. The Interactive capabilities such as email and listserv, access to library on-line, office hours and discussion forums enhance and facilitate student to instructor communication 24/7. 

The platform ACC uses for its Web-based courses is called Blackboard.  You need to familiarize yourself with ACC's Blackboard page. This is the place you will go to view Syllabus, grades, online discussion boards, announcements and assignments and other course requirements.   You will view web pages, send and receive email, download files, and upload files you have created using ACC’s Blackboard system. If you do not have an ACCeID you will need to activate it by going to the “First-time login” link at http://www.austincc.edu/acceid/step1.htm.  Go to http://acconline.austincc.edu/ for student entry into Blackboard.  You will need your student ID and password to log into Blackboard.  We have a wonderful Blackboard staff always available to assist you with any problems or concerns.

We will communicate using Blackboard, e-mail and phone conversations.  You must be able to communicate with the instructor by email.  Because there is a significant amount of email traffic, please make sure that EVERY EMAIL you send me includes your first and last name and the term “Intro to Law” on the subject line.

Tests will be taken here in Blackboar.  Additional information will be provided later.

As your online instructor, I will monitor your progress and advise you as appropriate via email, telephone, or chat room discussions. You will continue to be evaluated by means of tests and assignments as noted on the Syllabus.   Grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Distance Learning Student Information is available at http://dl.austincc.edu/students/#Resources.  If you need computer services go to http://irt.austincc.edu/ict/computing for more information.  Library services are available online for Distance Learning students at http://dl.austincc.edu/students/#Library. The Office for Students with Disabilities is located at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/.

 Distance Learning Help Line, 1-512-223-8026, Toll free 1-888-223-8026 or dl@austincc.edu. Distance Learning Help Line is open 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday.

Please make it a habit to check Blackboard throughout the course for all course information.  I want you to feel comfortable and confident when completing your readings, preparing your assignments and taking your tests.  Finally, I want you to really keep enjoying the course.  Remember, I am always available to talk to you at your convenience to discuss anything related to the course.

 

REQUIRED MANDATORY ORIENTATION DUE MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023.

This is your first assignment due this week.  This assignment is informational and will not take you more than a few minutes.  Familiarize yourself with the Blackboard course homepage and learn to navigate and use information available.  Please make sure you enter and continuously update your personal contact information using the TOOLS BUTTON UNDER BLACKBOARD.   You are required to post here some contact information, confirming your orientation, and including the affirmative statements given below. Posting this requested information confirms that you have "attended" the online orientation, you understand the course requirements and policies and you are committed to completing the course. I will not consider you fully enrolled in the course until you have posted this orientation information.  To post your Mandatory Orientation information please click the title above or "Mandatory Orientaiton due Midnight Wednesday, January 19, 2023--Welcome".  A page will open where you can then directly type your information including the statements below or you can attach a word document and submit.  

You are required to post your name, street address, home and work phone numbers, a relative or friend’s phone number and your current e-mail address.  All your personal information is confidential.

Additionally, please include in your orientation posting the following statements:

 1) I have read the syllabus thoroughly.

2) I have located ACC's Blackboard site, successfully logged in, and updated my email address in Blackboard.  I promise to update and correct my email address at all times.

3) I understand the course requirements, policies and procedures, including ACC's Testing Centers' procedures and operating hours.

4) I have noted the due dates for exams, chapter questions, assignments and discussion boards, and I understand that late tests or assignments will not be allowed.

5) I have located the Announcements, Orientation, Exams, Discussion Boards, PowerPoint Presentations,  Staff Information and Technical Support.  I have also found the Student Tools section and I know how to check my grades using Blackboard.

 Please note that I will not consider you fully enrolled in the course until I have received this orientation information. THIS ORIENTATION INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023.

 

 VIII. COURSE POLICIES

 

 

A.        Preparation for Class

Students are expected to come to class having read the assigned readings and prepared to participate in class discussions.  Proper classroom behavior is expected at all times.   The student is expected to have read each question at the end of the assigned chapter and made notes as to the answers to the questions.

 

 

B.        Attendance/Class Participation

            Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If          attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may          withdraw students from the class.

 

C.        Withdrawal Policy

            It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the   roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however,          reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides    to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final      Withdrawal Date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the       withdrawal form for their records.   Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a    course taken since Spring, 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course.

 

            State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire             undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit.  Details regarding this policy can        be found in the ACC college catalog.

 

D.        Incomplete

            An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all         of the objectives for the passing grade in a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried     beyond the established date in the following semester.  The completion date is determined       by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the      subsequent semester.

 

E.         Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

            A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of        the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit     coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  Students             must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when    taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions   constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating,             fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will             depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one        assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student             Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at       http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

 

F.         Student Rights and Responsibilities

            Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of    speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the         responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to    interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and       question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of      scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied   by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing             partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

 

G.        Student Discipline

In the event, a student acts in such a way as to significantly interfere with or disrupt the learning atmosphere of the classroom, the instructor may direct the student to leave the class and may take other measures as appropriate.   See the ACC Student Handbook either in hardcopy or on the web: http://www3.austin.cc.tx.us/evpcss/handbk/toc.htm

 

H.        Statement on Students with Disabilities

            Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities.        Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must      request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three    weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be         delayed.  

 

            Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must             provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before             accommodations will be provided.   Arrangements for academic accommodations can only           be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the     student.  

 

            Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved             Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

 

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at http://www.austincc.edu/sas.

 

I.          Course Calendar

The Course Calendar is attached to this Syllabus.

 

J.          Safety Statement

            Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for             study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and      safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances          are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures          poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about       emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the      event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.            Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and    courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or    safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be           withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

            You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all.        Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another     individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

K.        Use of ACC email

            All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail             account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion.   ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related         emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email             communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their    ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about       ACCmail, including instructions on setting up an account, can be found at             http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/

 

L.         Testing Center Policy

            Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a      testing center.  Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves         according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:

            ACC Photo ID

            Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)

            Course Number (e.g.,1301)

            Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)

            Course Section (e.g., 005)

            Instructor's Name

 

            Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing     room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the     remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at            http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

 

M.        Student and Instructional Services

            ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of      opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available           at:   http://www.austincc.edu/support/

            Links to many student services and other information can be found at:        http://www.austincc.edu/

            ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in          the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:              http://www.austincc.edu/tutor

            For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

 

N.        Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223- 7999.

 

O.        Student Support Services

            Resources to support you are available at every campus.  Food pantries are available at all campus Student Life offices (https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/).  Assistance          paying for childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support       Center (http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center).  For sudden, unexpected       expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more of your courses, go      to http://www.austincc.edu/SEF to request emergency assistance through the Student             Emergency Fund.  Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the             Student Money Management Office (http://sites.austincc.edu/money/).  Counselors are      available at any campus if you experience a personal or mental health concern             (http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling).  All services are free and confidential.

 

 

ATTACHMENT A

INTRODUCTION TO LAW

LGLA 1311

 

SCAN COMPETENCIES

 

STUDENTS IN THIS COURSE WILL BE EXPECTED TO USE OR ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIESTUS

 

 

1.       RESOURCES

 

1.l.   Allocates Time: Allocates time between coursework/work/family/friends.

 

 

2.       INTERPERSONAL

 

2.1.   Participates as a Member of a Team: Works cooperatively with others on joint assignments.

 

2.2.   Teaches Others: Explains concepts in class.

 

1. 1. Negotiates: Works toward an agreement on the validity of exam questions.

 

2.6. Works with Cultural Diversity: Works well with men and women and with a variety of ethnic, social, or educational backgrounds in the context of the class.

 

 

3.       INFORMATION

 

3.1. Acquires and Evaluates Information: Extracts crucial legal issues from court cases.

 

3.2. Organizes and Maintains Information: Takes notes on assigned material for use in class.

 

3.3. Interprets and Communicates Information: Evaluates assigned material and explains it to the class.

 

3.4. Uses Computers to Process Information: Employs computers to process course notes and to obtain, analyze and brief court cases.

 

 

5.       TECHNOLOGY

 

5.1. Applies Technology to Task: Understands the overall intent and the proper procedures for setting up and using computers and their programs.

 

 

6.       BASIC SKILLS

 

6.1.    Reading: Locates, understands, and interprets written information in the text and assigned court cases.

 

 

6.2     Writing: Communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages effectively in writing.

 

6.5     Listening: Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages during class lectures and discussions.

 

6.6.   Speaking: Organizes ideas and effectively communicates thoughts when being

          questioned in class and during class discussions.

 

 

7.       THINKING SKILLS

 

7.1.   Creative Thinking: Uses imagination freely, combines ideas in new ways, when

          discussing hypothetical problems.

 

1. 1. Decision Making: Chooses the best alternative in multiple-choice questions.

 

7.3.   Problem Solving: Recognizes that problems in hypothetical situations and

          identifies possible solutions.

 

7.5.    Knowing How to Learn: Finds the important information in class discussions and texts and consolidates the information into a useable format.

 

7.6.    Reasoning: Identifies the crucial issue in a court case and recognizes the

potential application of the rule in the case to other cases with similar facts and circumstances.

 

 

8.       PERSONAL QUALITIES

 

1. 1. Responsibility. Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance in effectively preparing for class and class discussions.

 

8.4. Self-Management: Motivates self through goal achievement; exhibits self-control and responds to feedback unemotionally and non-defensively, is a "self-starter."

 

8.5. Integrity/Honesty: Can be trusted to accomplish her/his own work without excessive involvement of other students.

 

 

ATTACHMENT B

 

INTRODUCTION TO LAW

LGLA 1311

 

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 

 

Upon completion of each segment of the Course, the student should be able to achieve

the following learning outcomes:

 

 

 A.       INTRODUCTION

1. Define the concept of law.
2. Understand the origins of the English common law system and its connection to U.S. legal system.
3. Explain the doctrine of stare decisis.
4. Identify and understand the sources and bodies of law.
5. Understand the differences between criminal and civil law, state and federal laws, private and public laws and procedural and substantive laws.
6. Understand basic constitutional principles.
7. Define and compare jurisdiction and venue, civil and criminal, mandatory precedent and

persuasive authority, equity and law, legal brief and case brief, as well as other relevant terms.

 

B.        Reading and Briefing a Case and Legal Analysis

1. Know the basic components of a reported case and related terminology as well as the relationship between the head notes and the various digests.
2. Know other basic terminology, including annotation, parallel cite, and official and unofficial reporters.
3. Know how to read and brief a case.
4. Understand how to frame issues and analyze a case.
5. Define and compare pertinent evidentiary concepts, e.g., relevant and material, direct and circumstantial, competent and credible, opinion and hearsay, and admission of party opponent and declaration against interest.
6. Define certain evidentiary concepts, e.g., best evidence, authentication, and parole evidence.

 

C.        Statutory Construction

 

1. Understand the basic history and terminology related to statutory enactments.

2. Understand how to read a statute.

3. Know the basic formula for analyzing a statute.

4. Understand the difference between strict and liberal construction and between codes and

revised statutes.

 

D.        Research and Writing

 

1. Name all state and federal primary authorities.
2. Know the main categories and functions of secondary authorities.
3. Understand the concept of non-authority.
4. Understand how primary and secondary authorities are updated.
5. Understand the function and relevant concepts pertaining to the state and federal reporters, statutes, and digests.
6. Understand how to use Shepard's and its purposes and value.
7. Know the basic functions of other research tools, e.g., ALR, Corpus Juris Secundum, Texas Jurisprudence, Subsequent History Table, the Uniform System of Citation, Texas Rules of Form, and Black's Law Dictionary.
8. Understand the components of a proper legal citation.
9. Discuss how to determine appropriate research tools.
10. Understand the basics of research strategy using case law, statutory law, and electronic resources.
11. Understand the organizational format in writing essays generally.
12. Enhance both understanding and use of the rules of proper grammar, spelling, and style.
13.  Learn basic tools for legal writing.

 

E.               ETHICS

 

1. Know the sources of legal and ethical guidelines for legal professionals.
2. Understand basic ethical rules and disciplines governing attorney and paralegal conduct, including confidentiality, conflict of interest, independent professional judgment, use of a paralegal, and sharing fees.

            3.         Understand the ethical wall and how a paralegal protects him/her from conflicts.

4.         Define unauthorized practice of law and battery and know to avoid both practices.

F.         CIVIL PROCEDURE AND DISCOVERY

1. Understand the anatomy of a simple trial.
2. Understand the functions of the main participants including the judge, witnesses, jury, attorneys and paralegals.
3. Know different names of pleadings in state and federal courts.
4. Understand basic pleadings and their formats including depositions, interrogatories, motions to produce, requests for physical and emotional examinations and requests for admissions.
5. Understand the concept of legal counting.
6. Know the name, purpose, and scope of each different form of discovery, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.
7. Know discovery deadlines and notice requirements.
8. Understand the concept of discovery sanctions.
9. Be aware of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and know its author.
10. Understand terms related to civil procedure, e.g., due process, service of process, affirmative defenses, compulsory and permissive counterclaim, cross-claim, pre-trial conference, default judgment, voir dire, peremptory challenge, challenge for cause, burden of proof prima facie case, and charge.

1. CRIMINAL LAW

1. Define a crime and understand its major causes.
2. Know the Miranda warning and its purpose.
3. Know constitutionally protected rights and remedies by Constitutional Amendment and understand the purpose of the various protections.
4. Know the sequence of events between the commission and the disposition of a crime.
5. Know the standard of proof in criminal (and civil) cases.
6.  Know the sources of defense counsel for various jurisdictions.

H.        Substantive Civil Law (Torts. Real Estate. Decedents' Estates. Domestic Contracts

1. Differentiate between injunctions and monetary awards and know related terminology.
2. Differentiate between negligence, intentional torts, and strict-liability torts.
3. Understand the elements of a contract, when an offer ends, the differences between a bilateral and unilateral contract, and the function of the Statute of Frauds.
4. Understand basic contract terms including competent parties, legality, consideration and assent.
5. Learn what constitutes a breach and available remedies.
6. Distinguish between real and personal property, tangible and intangible personal property, and fixtures and appurtenances.
7. Understand various ownership interests in land and associated terminology.
8. Understand major steps in buying a house.
9. Know what a real estate contract and its major components are.
10. Understand what a closing is and how it works and what principal documents are used including the deed, note, real estate contract and settlement statement.
11. Learn what mortgages and liens are.
12. Understand what acceleration and foreclosure are and how they work.
13. Differentiate between testate and intestate and understand related terms.
14. Understand basic steps to prepare a will and a trust
15. Know the types of wills and the essential elements of a will.
16. Understand the general rules on intestate succession in Texas.
17. Understand how a simple administration works.
18. Differentiate between an annulment and a divorce and understand the basic documents and terminology associated with domestic relations generally.
19. Understand what separate and community property are and how property is divided in a simple divorce.
20. Understand basic elements in preparing and enforcing a child support order.

I.          STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS

1. Define original, appellate, concurrent, and pendent jurisdictions.
2.  Understand diversity and federal question jurisdiction.
3. Understand such terms as judicial restraint, justiciable controversy, standing and mootness.
4. Understand the levels of operation of the state and federal court systems, including the various courts, composition of the juries, select duties of officers and employees of the courts, and the jurisdiction of the various criminal and civil courts.
5.  Understand basic court history and the most recent changes in jurisdiction of the Texas state courts of appeals.

 

J.      PROGRAM-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

        

1. To ensure that students understand a broad range of legal concepts and terms.

 

2. To ensure that students are able to perform legal research and identify and apply the salient holdings of appellate decisions to related fact patterns.

 

3. To ensure students ability to apply legal concepts to changing fact patterns.

 

4. To ensure students understanding of the basis for, and ability to draft, the documents used in a broad range of legal environments.

 

5. To encourage students to develop the initiative and work habits that will make them successful in a broad range of legal environments.

 

6. Ultimately, to prepare the student to perform well as a paralegal in a broad range of law office/law division environments.

 

Spring 2022 Course Schedule
T	Jan. 17	Welcome, Welcome!  It’s an Honor to Have You in my Class.  Please take the time to read the Class Syllabus and Class Website in Blackboard.  They list all the class requirements including Discussion Boards, Chapter Assignments, Lectures and Tests.
W	Jan. 18	Mandatory Orientation Due.  Please see Blackboard’s  “Orientation”.  Chapter 1, Introduction to Law, Ethics and Chapter 2, The Constitution.   Begin to Submit your Answers to Chapter Questions and Discussion Boards in Blackboard.
W	Jan. 25	Chapter 3, The Court System and Chapter 4, The Attorney-Client Relationship and Dispute Resolution.
W	Feb. 1	Chapter 5, Administrative Law
Mon.	Feb. 6	EXAM ONE REVIEW. Audio and Written Exam 1 Reviews Available in Blackboard under “Exams”.
W	Feb. 8	EXAM ONE, MULTIPLE CHOICE AND TRUE AND FALSE QUESTIONS.   TAKE ALL EXAMS IN BLACKBOARD.
W	Feb. 15	Chapter 6, Crimes: Public Wrongs, Discuss Case Brief
W	Feb. 22	Chapter 7, Torts: Private Wrongs
W	March 1	Chapter 8, Contracts: Enforceable Agreements
	March 8	Chapter 14, Family Law, Case Brief Due
M-F	March 13-17	HAPPIEST SPRING BREAK!!!  HAVE THE BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
W	March 22	Chapter 10, Intellectual and Personal Property Including  Motor Vehicles
Mon.	March 27	EXAM TWO REVIEW.  Audio and Written Exam 2 Reviews Available in Blackboard under “Exams”.
W	March 29	EXAM TWO, MULTIPLE CHOICE AND TRUE AND FALSE QUESTIONS.
W	April 5	Chapter 9, Real Property and Home Ownership and Chapter 11, Renters and Landlords
W	April 12	Chapter 15, Wills, Trusts and Probate
W	April 19	Chapter 12, Employee and Employer rights and Duties
W	April 26	FINAL EXAM REVIEW.  Audio and Written Final Exam Reviews Available in Blackboard under “Exams”.
W	May 3	FINAL EXAM.  MULTIPLE CHOICE AND TRUE AND FALSE QUESTIONS.
W	May 10	Applications of the law to everyday life.  CONGRATULATIONS in Completing this Class!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note that the Course Calendar is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.  Internet assignments, case briefs and/or special assignments may be added to Course Schedule.

 

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONCTACT ME 24/7 AT (512) 363-8649.

 

 

 

LAW IS BEAUTIFUL AND FUN!!!

 

 

LET’S MAKE THIS CLASS OUR GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE!!!

 

 

LET’S HAVE A GREAT SEMESTER TOGETHER!!!

 

II. REQUIRED TEXTS

  Understanding the Law, Seventh Edition, by, John A. McKinsey and Debra D. Burke, ISBN 13:978-1-285-42842-0.

W

Spring 2022 Course Schedule
T	Jan. 17	Welcome, Welcome!  It’s an Honor to Have You in my Class.  Please take the time to read the Class Syllabus and Class Website in Blackboard.  They list all the class requirements including Discussion Boards, Chapter Assignments, Lectures and Tests.
W	Jan. 18	Mandatory Orientation Due.  Please see Blackboard’s  “Orientation”.  Chapter 1, Introduction to Law, Ethics and Chapter 2, The Constitution.   Begin to Submit your Answers to Chapter Questions and Discussion Boards in Blackboard.
W	Jan. 25	Chapter 3, The Court System and Chapter 4, The Attorney-Client Relationship and Dispute Resolution.
W	Feb. 1	Chapter 5, Administrative Law
Mon.	Feb. 6	EXAM ONE REVIEW. Audio and Written Exam 1 Reviews Available in Blackboard under “Exams”.
W	Feb. 8	EXAM ONE, MULTIPLE CHOICE AND TRUE AND FALSE QUESTIONS.   TAKE ALL EXAMS IN BLACKBOARD.
W	Feb. 15	Chapter 6, Crimes: Public Wrongs, Discuss Case Brief
W	Feb. 22	Chapter 7, Torts: Private Wrongs
W	March 1	Chapter 8, Contracts: Enforceable Agreements
	March 8	Chapter 14, Family Law, Case Brief Due
M-F	March 13-17	HAPPIEST SPRING BREAK!!!  HAVE THE BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
W	March 22	Chapter 10, Intellectual and Personal Property Including  Motor Vehicles
Mon.	March 27	EXAM TWO REVIEW.  Audio and Written Exam 2 Reviews Available in Blackboard under “Exams”.
W	March 29	EXAM TWO, MULTIPLE CHOICE AND TRUE AND FALSE QUESTIONS.
W	April 5	Chapter 9, Real Property and Home Ownership and Chapter 11, Renters and Landlords
W	April 12	Chapter 15, Wills, Trusts and Probate
W	April 19	Chapter 12, Employee and Employer rights and Duties
W	April 26	FINAL EXAM REVIEW.  Audio and Written Final Exam Reviews Available in Blackboard under “Exams”.
W	May 3	FINAL EXAM.  MULTIPLE CHOICE AND TRUE AND FALSE QUESTIONS.
W	May 10	Applications of the law to everyday life.  CONGRATULATIONS in Completing this Class!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note that the Course Calendar is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.  Internet assignments, case briefs and/or special assignments may be added to Course Schedule.

 

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONCTACT ME 24/7 AT (512) 363-8649.

 

LAW IS BEAUTIFUL AND FUN!!!

 

LET’S MAKE THIS CLASS OUR GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE!!!

 

 

LET’S HAVE A GREAT SEMESTER TOGETHER!!!

ATTACHMENT B

 

INTRODUCTION TO LAW

LGLA 1311

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 

 

Upon completion of each segment of the Course, the student should be able to achieve

the following learning outcomes:

 

 

 A.       INTRODUCTION

1. Define the concept of law.
2. Understand the origins of the English common law system and its connection to U.S. legal system.
3. Explain the doctrine of stare decisis.
4. Identify and understand the sources and bodies of law.
5. Understand the differences between criminal and civil law, state and federal laws, private and public laws and procedural and substantive laws.
6. Understand basic constitutional principles.
7. Define and compare jurisdiction and venue, civil and criminal, mandatory precedent and

persuasive authority, equity and law, legal brief and case brief, as well as other relevant terms.

 

B.        Reading and Briefing a Case and Legal Analysis

1. Know the basic components of a reported case and related terminology as well as the relationship between the head notes and the various digests.
2. Know other basic terminology, including annotation, parallel cite, and official and unofficial reporters.
3. Know how to read and brief a case.
4. Understand how to frame issues and analyze a case.
5. Define and compare pertinent evidentiary concepts, e.g., relevant and material, direct and circumstantial, competent and credible, opinion and hearsay, and admission of party opponent and declaration against interest.
6. Define certain evidentiary concepts, e.g., best evidence, authentication, and parole evidence.

 

C.        Statutory Construction

 

1. Understand the basic history and terminology related to statutory enactments.

2. Understand how to read a statute.

3. Know the basic formula for analyzing a statute.

4. Understand the difference between strict and liberal construction and between codes and

revised statutes.

 

D.        Research and Writing

 

1. Name all state and federal primary authorities.
2. Know the main categories and functions of secondary authorities.
3. Understand the concept of non-authority.
4. Understand how primary and secondary authorities are updated.
5. Understand the function and relevant concepts pertaining to the state and federal reporters, statutes, and digests.
6. Understand how to use Shepard's and its purposes and value.
7. Know the basic functions of other research tools, e.g., ALR, Corpus Juris Secundum, Texas Jurisprudence, Subsequent History Table, the Uniform System of Citation, Texas Rules of Form, and Black's Law Dictionary.
8. Understand the components of a proper legal citation.
9. Discuss how to determine appropriate research tools.
10. Understand the basics of research strategy using case law, statutory law, and electronic resources.
11. Understand the organizational format in writing essays generally.
12. Enhance both understanding and use of the rules of proper grammar, spelling, and style.
13.  Learn basic tools for legal writing.

 

E.               ETHICS

 

1. Know the sources of legal and ethical guidelines for legal professionals.
2. Understand basic ethical rules and disciplines governing attorney and paralegal conduct, including confidentiality, conflict of interest, independent professional judgment, use of a paralegal, and sharing fees.

            3.         Understand the ethical wall and how a paralegal protects him/her from conflicts.

4.         Define unauthorized practice of law and battery and know to avoid both practices.

F.         CIVIL PROCEDURE AND DISCOVERY

1. Understand the anatomy of a simple trial.
2. Understand the functions of the main participants including the judge, witnesses, jury, attorneys and paralegals.
3. Know different names of pleadings in state and federal courts.
4. Understand basic pleadings and their formats including depositions, interrogatories, motions to produce, requests for physical and emotional examinations and requests for admissions.
5. Understand the concept of legal counting.
6. Know the name, purpose, and scope of each different form of discovery, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.
7. Know discovery deadlines and notice requirements.
8. Understand the concept of discovery sanctions.
9. Be aware of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and know its author.
10. Understand terms related to civil procedure, e.g., due process, service of process, affirmative defenses, compulsory and permissive counterclaim, cross-claim, pre-trial conference, default judgment, voir dire, peremptory challenge, challenge for cause, burden of proof prima facie case, and charge.G. CRIMINAL LAW
11. Define a crime and understand its major causes.
12. Know the Miranda warning and its purpose.
13. Know constitutionally protected rights and remedies by Constitutional Amendment and understand the purpose of the various protections.
14. Know the sequence of events between the commission and the disposition of a crime.
15. Know the standard of proof in criminal (and civil) cases.
16.  Know the sources of defense counsel for various jurisdictions.

H.        Substantive Civil Law (Torts. Real Estate. Decedents' Estates. Domestic Contracts

1. Differentiate between injunctions and monetary awards and know related terminology.
2. Differentiate between negligence, intentional torts, and strict-liability torts.
3. Understand the elements of a contract, when an offer ends, the differences between a bilateral and unilateral contract, and the function of the Statute of Frauds.
4. Understand basic contract terms including competent parties, legality, consideration and assent.
5. Learn what constitutes a breach and available remedies.
6. Distinguish between real and personal property, tangible and intangible personal property, and fixtures and appurtenances.
7. Understand various ownership interests in land and associated terminology.
8. Understand major steps in buying a house.
9. Know what a real estate contract and its major components are.
10. Understand what a closing is and how it works and what principal documents are used including the deed, note, real estate contract and settlement statement.
11. Learn what mortgages and liens are.
12. Understand what acceleration and foreclosure are and how they work.
13. Differentiate between testate and intestate and understand related terms.
14. Understand basic steps to prepare a will and a trust
15. Know the types of wills and the essential elements of a will.
16. Understand the general rules on intestate succession in Texas.
17. Understand how a simple administration works.
18. Differentiate between an annulment and a divorce and understand the basic documents and terminology associated with domestic relations generally.
19. Understand what separate and community property are and how property is divided in a simple divorce.
20. Understand basic elements in preparing and enforcing a child support order.

I.          STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS

1. Define original, appellate, concurrent, and pendent jurisdictions.
2.  Understand diversity and federal question jurisdiction.
3. Understand such terms as judicial restraint, justiciable controversy, standing and mootness.
4. Understand the levels of operation of the state and federal court systems, including the various courts, composition of the juries, select duties of officers and employees of the courts, and the jurisdiction of the various criminal and civil courts.
5.  Understand basic court history and the most recent changes in jurisdiction of the Texas state courts of appeals.

 

J.      PROGRAM-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

        

1. To ensure that students understand a broad range of legal concepts and terms.

 

2. To ensure that students are able to perform legal research and identify and apply the salient holdings of appellate decisions to related fact patterns.

 

3. To ensure students ability to apply legal concepts to changing fact patterns.

 

4. To ensure students understanding of the basis for, and ability to draft, the documents used in a broad range of legal environments.

 

5. To encourage students to develop the initiative and work habits that will make them successful in a broad range of legal environments.

 

6. Ultimately, to prepare the student to perform well as a paralegal in a broad range of law office/law division environments.