Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Course Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PRL 103 - Introduction to Law

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Open
This course covers a general introduction to the American legal system and the practice of law.  Topics include an introduction to legal processes, the U.S. Constitution, basic legal terminology and concepts, court systems, government structures, courses of law, and to the legal ethics and regulation of the legal profession.  Substantive law and skill areas students will encounter in subsequent legal courses is also included. 
Competencies
  1. Contrast the Civil and Criminal Law Systems
    1. Define Civil and Criminal Law
    2. Identify Standards of Proof
    3. Identify Remedies
    4. Describe Trial Processes and Procedures
    5. Discuss U.S. Constitution
  2. Compare Federal and Iowa Government Structures
    1. Differentiate the Branches of Federal/Iowa Government
    2. Describe the Function of each Branch of Federal/Iowa Government
    3. Describe the Structure of each Branch of Federal/Iowa Government    
  3. Compare Federal and Iowa Court Systems
    1. Distinguish the Various Levels within the Federal/Iowa Court Systems
    2. Describe the Function of each Level within the Federal/Iowa Court Systems
    3. Describe the Structure of each Level within the Federal/Iowa Court Systems
  4. Analyze Jurisdiction
    1. Describe In Personam Jurisdiction
    2. Describe Subject Matter Jurisdiction
    3. Describe Long Arm Jurisdiction
    4. Distinguish Federal Jurisdiction
  5. Discuss Case Documents
    1. Identify a Summons/Original Notice
    2. Identify a Petition/Complaint
    3. Describe Motions/Pleadings
  6. Explain Discovery Process
    1. Identify Purpose of Discovery
    2. List Types of Discovery
    3. Define Interrogatory
    4. Define Deposition
    5. Define Request for Production of Documents
    6. Define Request for Admissions
    7. Define Motion to Compel
  7. Examine Substantive Areas of the Law
    1. Classify Torts and Damages
    2. Explain Elements of a Contract
    3. Summarize Aspects of Family Law
    4. Discuss Aspects of Property Law
    5. Describe the Administrative Law System
    6. Explain Types of Alternative Dispute Resolution
  8. Summarize the Ethical Responsibility in the Legal Field     
    1. Describe Progression of Ethical Responsibility in the Legal Field
    2. Describe Impact on the Paralegal



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