Paralegal Studies

A comprehensive study of the nature of theyjudiciary and the court system and the majoryfunction the law serves in modern society.yStudents learn 1)the general structure of the U.S.ylegal system at the federal, state, and the localylevels, 2)the roles of the various officialsyinvolved in the court system, 3)the differences inyfunction and procedure among trial courts,yappellate courts, and administrative hearings,y4)the difference between substantive andyprocedural law, and 5)the difference betweenycriminal and civial law. Special attention isygiven to the detailed structure of the state andylocal courts in Nebraska.

A thorough examination of the procedures for trialypreparation, focusing on the steps involved in theypreparation, litigation, and appeal of civilycases. Attention is given to the differencesybetween criminal and civil procedure and theynature of the remedies available through civilylitigation. Students learn 1)how to initiate andycommence legal proceedings, 2)how to prepareypleadings, motions, and other necessary legalydocuments, 3)state and federal discoveryyprocedures and statutes, 4)methods of gatheringyfactual data, 5)the preparation and organizationyof evidence for trial, and 6)pre- and post-trialyactivities. Prerequisite: Paralegal Studies 121,y205.

A study of the initial planning and preparationynecessary for a comprehensive estate plan.yStudents also learn 1)the purposes of estateyplanning, probate, guardianships,yconservatorships, and trusts, 2)the provisions andytechniques for drafting wills and trusts, 3)theyprocesses of estate administration, 4)how toycontest, revoke, and terminate a will, and 5)theyprobate process.

An examination of the acquisition, ownership,yregulation, and disposition of real property.yStudents learn 1)the basic concepts in the law ofyreal property; 2)how to draft real propertyydescriptions and sales agreements; 3)the variousytechniques for financing, and 4)the processes foryclosing and settlement.

A course designed to strengthen skills foryresearch, writing, analysis, and criticalythinking. It focuses on the crucial issues ofywriting in the context of law practice. Studentsylearn how to 1)report legal research findings inyan appropriate format, 2)use appropriate citationsyfor sources, 3)use the proper format and contentyin drafting client correspondence and legalydocuments; and 4)modify standardized forms foundyin form books, pleading files, or a computer dataybank. Prerequisite: Paralegal Studies 221

A survey of topics related to the legalyenvironment within which businesses andyindividuals must operate. Students will (1) beyable to identify specific spheres of businessywithin which the law requires certain behavior ofybusinesses and individuals and the consequences ofyfailing to adhere to these requirements, (2)ybecome familiar with specific legal terminology,yand (3) practice the identification and analysisyof professional and personal legal issues withinythe context of business. Prerequisite: Sophomoreystanding or permission.

The study of negotiation and mediation theory andypractice. Students develop the skills to workywith parties at variance to promoteyreconciliation, settlement, or compromise.

An introduction to the legal system of the UnitedyStates which focuses on the function and authorityyof administrative agencies. Students explore theyrights and responsibilities of individuals andybusiness entities within the context of regulatoryyschemes contained in the spheres of environmentalyissues (such as the Environmental Protection Actyand the Clean Air Act) and business issues (suchyas the Occupational Safety and Health Act and theyFederal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act). Studentsywill be able to identify and analyze problemsyfound in business situations involving regulatoryyissues, while applying legal concepts, cases andystatutes in determining a recommended course ofyaction for individuals and organizations.

A study of the strategies used to gain informationyfrom individuals, businesses, government agencies,yand health care organizations. The principlesyapplicable to all interviewing situations will beyexamined, as well as the various techniques andyapproaches used. Students will develop skills forystructuring, planning, and conducting an effectiveyinterview and for accurately analyzing andyrecording the information gained.

An introduction to the microcomputer. Studentsylearn to use a word processing applicationsyprogram as a writing tool to create, revise, saveyand print documents. (Pass/Fail)