10110101Introduction to Law
Course Information
Description
Students are introduced to the American legal system, legal ethics, legal terminology, legal research and writing and the common law of torts.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Describe the role of the paralegal in the American Legal System
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a minimum of 80% on Research on the Internet (ROI) assignment
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a Quick Quiz
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you define paralegal using the American Bar Association definition
    you explain the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively as a paralegal
    you summarize several specialties for paralegal practice

  2. Apply the ethical rules which regulate paralegal conduct in the workplace
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you describe several ethical models
    you explain the importance of a code of ethics
    you describe the disciplinary procedure for attorneys who violate the code of ethics
    you locate and familiarize yourself with the code of ethics governing attorneys in Wisconsin and the unauthorized practice of law statute
    you explain the most important ethical requirements under the model rules of the American Bar Association
    you locate recent ethics opinions promulgated by the American Bar Association
    you locate recent ethical decisions from the WI Supreme Court involving the Office of Lawyer Regulation

  3. Compare the different court systems
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you diagram the American legal system
    you explain the functions and jurisdictions of the Federal and State courts
    you explain how laws are made

  4. Distinguish between criminal and civil cases
    Assessment Strategies
    in a summary observation of a trial, write about observed courtroom procedures
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you distinguish between criminal and civil law
    you diagram the general procedures for criminal and civil cases
    you identify criminal and civil components of fact situations

  5. Draft a case brief
    Assessment Strategies
    in a summary observation of a trial, write about observed courtroom procedures
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you provide proper citation for reported State and Federal cases
    you prepare are brief statement of the facts of a case
    you identify the issue or issues presented for decision by the court
    you prepare a statement of the courts decision of the issue(s) including the Courts rationale for its decision

  6. Examine the law of torts
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you distinguish among intentional torts, negligence and strict liability
    you explain the elements of ten intentional torts
    you describe Wisconsins system of contributory negligence

  7. Examine the common law of contracts
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you identify the elements of a valid contract
    you use contract terminology effectively
    you distinguish between enforceable and unenforceable contracts
    you differentiate between the common law of contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code
    you identify the requirements of a valid offer
    you explain the circumstances under which an offer terminates
    you describe legal consideration
    you list those who would be considered legally incompetent to contract
    you distinguish between voidable and void contracts when legal capacity is lacking
    you identify situations in which agreements violate statute or public policy and are unenforceable
    you explain how contracts terminate and the defenses to contract breach
    you identify the remedies available when a lawsuit is brought in breach of contract

  8. Analyze several basic business contracts
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit examination
    by achieving a minimum score of 80% on a unit vocabulary exam
    Criteria
    you analyze a basic Wisconsin residential apartment lease
    you analyze a basic Wisconsin automobile purchase contract