LEI 101 INTRODUCTION TO LAW 3 credits
An introduction to the legal system and an explanation of the legislative and judicial process, how a legal rule is generated and maintained by the judicial system. Emphasis will be placed on jurisdiction, the development of the law through the court systems, torts, criminal law and procedure, business law, property law, family law and contracts.
LEI 102 LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING I 3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of legal research. To begin, a general overview of the federal and state court systems will be provided. Next, students will learn to use and locate most primary legal authorities including cases, constitutions, and federal and state statutes. Attention will also be given to case analysis and the techniques of legal writing: citation form, cite checking, and the legal office memoranda. (Prerequisite: Intro to Law)
LEI 104 LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING II 3 credits
This course is designed to continue teaching the fundamentals of legal research. Students will learn to use and locate primary sources not covered in Legal Research I, namely, administrative law and legislative history, and most secondary legal authorities including Digests, Annotated Law Reports, periodicals, and encyclopedias. Further attention will be given to case analysis and the techniques of legal writing which will culminate in a self-directed research project and office memoranda. (Prerequisite: Intro to Law and Legal Research I)
LEI 226 Evidence 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide the student with a working understanding of the federal and stateRules of Evidence. Students will gain an understanding of the function of rules of evidence, objections to be anticipated, and the preparation of a civil case for trial without the exclusion of evidence based on application of those rules. (Prerequisites: Introduction to Law, Legal Research I & II, and Civil Practice or Introduction to Criminal Justice)
LEI 212 ETHICS AND PARALEGALISM 3 credits
An introduction to paralegal studies and the fundamentals of paralegalism with a comprehensive survey of professional responsibility issues for legal assistants, including the study of the American Bar Association's Model Code and Model Rules of Professional Responsibility and various professional paralegal associations' codes of ethics. Students will also explore licensing and regulating issues as well as job opportunities for paralegals. (Prerequisite: Intro to Law)
LEI 121 INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE 3 credits
A general introduction to the study of the American system of criminal justice. The crime problem, the police, the judicial system and correctional agencies will be examined. Special emphasis will be placed on both the legal and behavioral realities of each stage of the criminal justice process (Prerequisite: Intro to Law and Legal Research I & II)
LEI 245 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 3 credits
An advanced course in criminal law and procedure, there students will learn about the areas of bail arraignment, alternate resolutions, pretrial motions, trial skills and sentencing. Students will be provided a clinic-like experience with ample opportunity to have practical skills in all topical areas.
(Prerequisite: Intro to Law, Legal Research I, Legal Research II and Intro to Criminal Justice)
LEI 204 TRIAL PROCESS 3 credits
This class is a study of the trial process, examining pre-trial preparation and documentation, making a trial notebook, and preparing complex litigation for trial. Post-trial motion practice and appellate practice are also discussed. Emphasis will be placed on jury selection, opening statements, evidence, direct and cross examination, and closing arguments. (Prerequisites: Introduction to Law, Legal Research I & II and Civil Practice or Introduction to Criminal Justice)