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 or Intro to Legal Nurse Consultant)
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 or Intro to Legal Nurse Consultant and Legal Research I)
LEI 205 CIVIL PRACTICE 3 credits
An examination of civil practice and procedure, beginning with the filing of a complaint and extending through discovery, pre-trial motions, trial, post-trial motions and the appeal. Emphasis is also placed on cause of action, time limitations, case investigation, purposes of motions, depositions, settlements and dismissals.
(Prerequisite: Intro to Law or Intro to Legal Nurse Consultant)
LEI 201 WILLS & TRUSTS 3 credits
Study of the law of testamentary disposition, of the common instruments used in testamentary dispositions, the formalities for validity, construction and interpretation of wills, trusts and other post-death transfer devices. Emphasis will be placed on the probate process, estate administration and federal and state tax concerns.
(Prerequisite: Intro to Law and Legal Research I)
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 120 ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
This course serves as a guide through each stage of estate administration including the probate process, inventory and appraisement of assets, preparation of inheritance and federal estate tax returns and distribution issues. Introduction to estate administration software, case management, tickler systems and ethical considerations in assisting estate administration clients will be among the practical aspects of the course. (Prerequisite: Intro to Law, Legal Research I, Legal Research II, and Wills and Trusts)
LEI 210 FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
Analysis of income taxation, what constitutes income, exemptions, exclusions, and deductions, and related issues. Examination of common federal taxation forms and schedules. Emphasis is on tax accounting, income, exclusions, and deductions for individuals. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Law and Legal Research I)