Course Listings

Introduction to Law

LGST 101 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A survey of the U.S. legal system and the roles and responsibilities of the various personnel who work in that environment. The objective is to evaluate situations and make recommendations for action based on an understanding of law, legal institutions, and court procedures. Topics include the organization and powers of federal and state lawmaking institutions, court procedures, legal analysis, and careers in the legal environment. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 101 or PLGL 101.

Techniques of Legal Research

LGST 200 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introduction to common research methods used to locate primary and secondary authority relevant to given topics and issues. The goal is to find valid, relevant, mandatory primary authority. Topics include the analysis, publication, and citation of judicial opinions and statutory law; the features and use of secondary sources; and various computer-assisted research tools to find and validate primary authority. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 200 or PLGL 200.

Legal Writing

LGST 201 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 200. An introduction to the principles of writing clearly and effectively in the legal environment. The objective is to draft writings that synthesize law, analyze legal issues, and explain law and legal analysis to a nonlegal audience. Assignments include a legal synthesis memo, case law and statutory analysis memos, and a client letter. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 201 or PLGL 201.

Legal Ethics

LGST 204 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A survey of basic principles relating to the ethical practice of law. The objective is to identify ethical problems, draft writings that apply ethical rules and interpretations to legal ethical dilemmas, and avoid and resolve legal ethical problems through appropriate use of office procedures. Rules and guidelines governing the ethical conduct of lawyers and nonlawyers are covered, as are law office management principles relevant to ethical requirements. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 204 or PLGL 204.

Advanced Legal Research and Analysis

LGST 300 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 200. An in-depth examination of research methods to identify primary authority relevant to legal issues. The goal is to identify legal issues, implement research strategies to find relevant primary authority, and use this authority to analyze the issues. Topics include the use of computer-assisted legal research systems to locate case law, statutory law, administrative law, and rules of procedure and evidence and methods to identify and analyze legal issues. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 400 or PLGL 400.

Advanced Legal Writing

LGST 301 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 201. A focused study of the principles and techniques for drafting legal advocacy writings. The objective is to analyze legal issues and advocate for results based on that analysis. Assignments include a complex office memorandum, a demand letter, and an external advocacy memorandum. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 301, LGST 401, or PLGL 401.

Torts

LGST 312 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 201. A study of the causes of action, defenses, and remedies in the major categories of tort law, as well as tort-litigation procedures and writings. The goal is to investigate and evaluate tort claims in order to develop litigation strategies and to research law in order to draft legal writings that support a legal conclusion. Topics include intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, damages, and civil procedure. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 312 or PLGL 312.

Domestic Relations

LGST 315 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 201. A study of the processes, procedures, and writings of family law practice. The aim is to identify, analyze, and apply the rules of professional conduct to domestic issues; research applicable law and factual information related to domestic relations issues and draft legal writings; and complete standardized forms to resolve domestic issues. Topics include divorce, separation, and annulment and alimony; child custody and visitation; child support; disposition of property; and the legal rights of children. Relevant aspects of civil procedures, enforcement, and the modification of orders and agreements are covered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: FMCD 487, LGST 315, or PLGL 315.

Criminal Law and Procedures

LGST 320 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 201. A study of the substantive and procedural aspects of the criminal justice system. The objective is to identify, analyze, and apply the rules of professional conduct to develop ethical strategies, research law, and draft legal writings to support the prosecution or defense of crimes. Topics include crimes and defenses, penalties, and court procedures. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 320 or PLGL 320.

Litigation

LGST 325 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 201. A comprehensive study of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the process of civil litigation. The aim is to use technology and administrative best practices to collect, track, retrieve, and prepare evidence during the litigation process; interpret and apply the rules to develop case strategies; and interact with individuals within the legal system to effectively and ethically support the litigation process. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 325 or PLGL 325.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

LGST 327 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An overview of the various processes and techniques to settle disputes without court adjudication. Topics include alternatives to litigation and their advantages, characteristics of effective mediation, ethics, and virtual dispute resolution techniques. The objective is to become familiar with various methods of dispute resolution and potential career opportunities in alternative dispute resolution. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 327, PLGL 327, or PLGL 398G.

Contract Law

LGST 340 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: LGST 201. A comprehensive study of the major areas of contract law. The objective is to identify and analyze contractual precedent and statutory authority; develop litigation strategies; and explain contract concepts, remedies, and procedures that support a legal conclusion. Topics include formation, interpretation and enforcement, discharge, breach, and remedies for breach. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: LGST 340 or PLGL 340.

Special Topics in Legal Studies

LGST 398 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: An examination of topics in legal studies and related fields. May be repeated when topics differ.

Legal Studies Capstone

LGST 495 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: Completion of at least 24 credits of required major courses including LGST 301. A portfolio-driven study of professional practices in the legal field. The goal is to integrate the competencies gained through previous coursework and experience. Assignments include projects relevant to work in the legal environment.