Course Syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO LAW - LGLA 1311

                      

I. Course Description:           The course provides an overview of the law and the legal system.  Topics include legal concepts, procedures, terminology and current issues in law.

 

II. Required Texts/Materials:

A.      Required Purchase:         (1)  Carper, et al. Understanding the Law (3rd ed.).

B.       Recommended

            (1)    Black's Law Dictionary

 

III. SCANs Competencies:

            The SCANs Competencies that will be developed in this Course are listed on

Attachment A.

 

IV. Instructional Methodology:

      This is a lecture course in which students are expected to prepare for and respond to questions related to the assigned material.

 

V. Course Rationale:

            This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the law and our legal system.  The course is available to non-majors and to students just beginning the ACC Legal Assistant Program.

 

VI. Course Outcomes:

            The Student Learning Outcomes for this course are listed on Attachment B.


VII. Course Evaluation System:

 

Your Final Letter Grade

 

The maximum number of points available in the course is one hundred (100).  Your final letter grade for this course will be the sum of (A) your total Exam Points and (B) your total remaining Attendance Grant Points.

 

88 exam points.  There will be four 22-point exams offered during the semester.  (Total possible Exam Points=88)

 

12 ATTENDANCE GRANT POINTS.  You are hereby awarded by grant a total of twelve (12) points to be counted toward your final letter grade.  Each absence from class will result in the subtraction of four (4) Attendance Grant Points.  After your third absence, no Attendance Grant Points will remain, and your final letter grade will reflect total Exam Points only.

 

 

Absences and Missed Exams

 

ABSENCES.  The courtesy of your attendance is a requirement for the maximum benefit from this course.  It is your sole and affirmative obligation to demonstrate class attendance and to adequately accommodate for the consequences of each missed class period.

 

MISSED EXAMS.  Except as otherwise provided by these rules, the first time you are absent for an offered exam, the Exam Points for that exam will be assigned a score equal to the lowest score of the other exams you have taken during the semester. In addition, that absence will result in the subtraction of four (4) Attendance Grant Points.  Each subsequent missed exam will be assigned a score of zero (0), and four (4) Attendance Grant Points will be subtracted from your total.

 

Option to Decline One Exam.  In your sole discretion, you may decline to participate in any one exam.  That exam will be assigned a score equal to the lowest of the other exams taken during the semester, but no Attendance Grant Points will be subtracted from your total.

 

 

 VIII. Course Policies:

 

a.                   Preparation for Class

The student will be expected to have read and absorbed all of the material assigned for a particular class session.

 

b.         Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically  or on paper; projects, either individual or group, classroom presentation, and homework.

 

c.         Academic Freedom

Each student is expected to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other on occasion, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views. It is expected that these differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Accordingly, rest assured that no student’s grade will be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class.

 

d.         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

 

e.         Office of Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Student with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.

 

f.          Course Calendar

The Course Calendar is a separate document that you will have received along with this syllabus.

 

g.         Testing Center

General use of the testing center is not available to students in this course; however, should you have occasion to use an ACC testing center, be sure to first review the Testing Center Guidelines available either in the testing center or on the web under “Students” at:

http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us/testctr/

 

h.         Student Services

A Student Services Handout is attached for your review.

 

i.          Instructional Services

An Instructional Services Handout is attached for your review

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ATTACHMENT A

INTRODUCTION TO LAW – LGLA 1311

SCANS Competencies

Students in this Course will be expected to use or achieve the following Competencies

Resources

 

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

 

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.

 

2.5.  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..

 

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.

 

Technology

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

Thinking Skills

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

 

7.2.    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.

 

Personal Qualities

8.1.    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.

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INTRODUCTION TO LAW

LGLA 1311

Attachment b:  Learning Outcomes

With diligent application of class discussion to the materials provided, each student is expected to achieve the objectives set out below.  In addition, please note that the student is expected to recognize and explain those legal terms employed by the text and the instructor.
Chapter 1.  Introduction to Law

  1. Recognize and explain the concept of civil law.
  2. Recognize and explain the concept of criminal law.
  3. Recognize and explain the concept of common law.
  4. Recognize and explain the concept of procedural law.
  5. Recognize and explain the concept of substantive law.
  6. Recognize and explain the concepts of stare decisis, precedent and dicta.
  7. Recognize and explain the concept of administrative law.
  8. Recognize and explain the distinction between case law and statutory law.
  9. Recognize and explain the relationship between tort and crime.
  10. Discuss the historical basis of our present legal system.
  11. Recognize and explain the significance of the Magna Carta.


Chapter 2.  Our Constitution

  1. Recognize and explain the concept of republican government.
  2. Recognize and explain the basic concepts contained in the Declaration of Independence.
  3. Recognize and explain the historical context of the U.S. Constitution.
  4. Recognize and explain the concept of natural law.
  5. Recognize and explain the concept of judicial review.
  6. Recognize and explain the concept of separation of powers.
  7. Recognize and distinguish between federalism and republicanism.
  8. Recognize and explain the doctrine of supremacy.
  9. Recognize and discuss the origin and effect of the Bill of Rights.
  10. Explain how the Bill of Rights applies to the states.
  11. Recognize and discuss the concept of the First Amendment.
  12. Recognize and discuss the concept of the Second Amendment.
  13. Recognize and discuss the concept of the Fourth Amendment.
  14. Explain the significance of Marbury v. Madison.
  15. Compare and contrast the constitutional powers of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government.
Chapter 3.  The court system
  1. Distinguish between trial courts and appellate courts.
  2. Explain the concept of personal jurisdiction.
  3. Explain the concept of subject matter jurisdiction.
  4. Explain the concept of venue.
  5. Describe the organization and structure of the federal court system.
  6. Describe the organization and structure of the Texas court system.
  7. Discuss the significance of pre-trial discovery.
  8. Identify and discuss the major types of discovery.
  9. Discuss the order and proceedings of a civil trial.
  10. Discuss the order and proceedings of a criminal trial.
  11. Compare and contrast the federal appellate process with the Texas appellate process.
  12. Distinguish between disputes at law and disputes in equity.
  13. Explain the effect of the statute of limitations.
  14. Recognize and apply the distinctions between the following evidentiary standards: reasonable doubt, clear and convincing and preponderance.

Chapter 4.  Using the Legal System

  1. Explain the basis of the adversary system.
  2. Compare and contrast the adversary system with the inquisitorial system.
  3. Describe the fiduciary relationship.
  4. Describe the attorney-client privilege.
  5. Compare and contrast litigation, arbitration and mediation.
  6. Explain the role of the Texas Supreme Court in the regulation of the legal profession in Texas.
  7. Explain the role of the State Bar of Texas in the regulation of the legal profession in Texas.
  8. Compare and contrast the professional roles of the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas.
  9. Identify the rules that punish professional misconduct by Texas attorneys.
  10. Describe the four major punishments that may be faced by unethical Texas attorneys.
  11. Discuss the extent to which a legal assistant can aid an attorney in the practice of law.
  12. Explain contingent fees.
  13. Discuss the concept and consequences of acting in propria persona.

Chapter 5.  Administrative Law.

  1. Describe the historical context and rise of administrative agencies.
  2. Discuss the concept of administrative law.
  3. Describe the basic rationale for the creation of the administrative law system.
  4. Distinguish between federal and state administrative agencies.
  5. Discuss the basic functions of most administrative agencies.
  6. Describe the process that an agency follows to make regulations.
  7. Compare and contrast administrative regulations with statutory laws.
  8. Distinguish between an agency’s interpretive rules and its procedural rules.
  9. Compare and contrast an administrative hearing with a court trial.
  10. Discuss the significance of an agency’s enabling statute.
  11. Discuss the external controls on the power of administrative agencies.

Chapter 6.  Crimes: Public Wrongs.

  1. Distinguish between a crime and a tort.
  2. Explain the significance of criminal intent.
  3. Identify and explain criminally culpable mental states.
  4. Recognize and explain the concept of criminal solicitation.
  5. Recognize and explain the concept of criminal conspiracy.
  6. Recognize and explain the concept of criminal attempt.
  7. Discuss the doctrine of dual sovereignty as it relates to double jeopardy.
  8. Explain the statute of limitations as it applies to crimes committed in Texas.
  9. Discuss accessory liability.
  10. Explain the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors.
  11. Compare and contrast the categories of criminal homicide.
  12. Describe the order of proceedings in a criminal trial, including appeal.
  13. Explain the distinctions between parole, probation, deferred adjudication and clemency.
  14. Explain probation.
  15. Explain deferred adjudication.
  16. Explain clemency.
  17. Explain the burden of proof in a criminal prosecution.
  18. Discuss the procedure known as arraignment.
  19. Discuss the exclusionary rule.
  20. Explain probable cause.
  21. Explain the significance of the Miranda warning.

Chapter 7.  Torts: Private Wrongs

  1. Identify and explain intentional tort.
  2. Identify and explain negligence.
  3. Identify and explain strict liability.
  4. Discuss defenses to tort liability.
  5. Recognize and discuss actual damages.
  6. Compare and contrast actual damages and punitive damages.
  7. Explain nominal damages.
  8. Describe the order of proceedings in a civil trial, including appeal.
  9. Distinguish between contributory negligence and comparative negligence.

Chapter 8.  Contracts: Enforceable Agreements

  1. Identify the parties to a contract.
  2. Identify the Uniform Commercial Code.
  3. Distinguish between express and implied contracts.
  4. Compare and contrast void and voidable contracts.
  5. Distinguish bilateral and unilateral contracts.
  6. Explain contractual capacity.
  7. Discuss the concept of offer.
  8. Discuss the concept of acceptance.
  9. Discuss the concept of consideration.
  10. Identify and distinguish between duress, undue influence, fraud and mutual mistake.
  11. Explain various statutory and public policy limitations on contracts.
  12. Discuss the remedies available for breach of contract.
  13. Explain warranties.
  14. Distinguish between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Chapter 9.  Family Law

  1. Explain matrimonial capacity.
  2. Distinguish between common-law and ceremonial marriage.
  3. Compare and contrast the marital property concepts of common-law and community property.
  4. Describe the evidentiary standard of clear and convincing as it relates to marital property.
  5. Explain the concept of legitimacy.
  6. Distinguish between common-law and no-fault divorce.
  7. Discuss the concept of annulment.
  8. Discuss alimony.
  9. Explain the legal effect of court-ordered child support.
  10. Compare and contrast premarital agreements with separation agreements.

Chapter 10.  Owning and Operating Motor Vehicles.

  1. Discuss warranties and disclaimers in the context of motor vehicles.
  2. Explain the concept of a Lemon Law.
  3. Compare and contrast rental, leasing and purchase of a motor vehicle.
  4. Explain negligence per se.
  5. Explain vicarious liability.
  6. Discuss the family purpose doctrine.
  7. Explain the concept of guest statutes.
  8. Discuss the legal environment surrounding driving under the influence.
  9. Discuss insurance and financial responsibility as it relates to motor vehicles.

Chapter 11.  Renters and Landlords

  1. Discuss the contractual nature of the landlord-tenant relationship.
  2. Explain the concept of dominant estate.
  3. Explain the legal aspects of a security deposit.
  4. Describe the process of eviction.
  5. Describe the legal aspects of lockout.
  6. Compare and contrast the various categories of tenancy.
  7. Explain the effect of a landlord’s lien.
  8. Explain the relevance of the contractual concept of cover.
  9. Compare implied warranties and constructive eviction.
  10. Discuss subletting.

Chapter 12.  Home Ownership

  1. Discuss the concept of the promissory note.
  2. Discuss and explain the relationship between collateral, default, deed of trust and foreclosure.
  3. Compare and contrast new financing, assumption and seller financing.
  4. Explain escrow.
  5. Discuss title insurance.
  6. Discuss closing costs.
  7. Discuss residential taxation.

Chapter 13.  Employee and Employer Rights and Duties.

  1. Discuss the sole proprietorship.
  2. Discuss partnership, including the LLP.
  3. Discuss the corporate form of doing business, including the LLC.
  4. Explain the concept of agency.
  5. Discuss the concept of ordinary employee.
  6. Explain the legal environment of independent contractors.
  7. Discuss retirement and pensions.
  8. Discuss federal laws relating to employment and the role of the EEOC.
  9. Compare at-will employment with contractual employment.
  10. Discuss the role of unions in the workplace.

Chapter 14.  Wills, Trusts and Probate

  1. Discuss the concept of estate planning.
  2. Identify the various taxes imposed on a decedent’s estate.
  3. Explain gifts.
  4. Explain testamentary capacity.
  5. Compare and contrast formal, holographic and nuncupative wills.
  6. Discuss revocation, disinheritance and pretermitted heirs.
  7. Discuss intestacy.
  8. Explain the process of probate.
  9. Discuss the various concepts embraced by the term living will.
  10. Compare and contrast inter vivos trusts with testamentary trusts.

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