PRL 103 - Introduction to Law

1. Contrast civil and criminal law
   1. Define civil and criminal law
   2. Identify civil and criminal standards of proof
   3. Identify civil remedies and criminal penalties
   4. Describe trial processes and procedures
2. Compare the federal and Iowa court systems
   1. Distinguish the various levels of the federal and Iowa court systems
   2. Describe the function and structure of each level of the federal and Iowa court systems
3. Analyze jurisdiction
   1. Recognize the difference between state court and federal court jurisdiction
   2. Describe subject matter jurisdiction
   3. Describe personal jurisdiction
4. Recognize common litigation documents
   1. Identify a summons or original notice
   2. Identify a petition or complaint
   3. Identify an answer or response
   4. Describe the purpose of pre-trial and post-trial motions
5. Explain the discovery process
   1. Identify the purpose of discovery
   2. Define interrogatory
   3. Define deposition
   4. Define request for production of documents
   5. Define request for admissions
   6. Define motion to compel
6. Examine select substantive areas of the law
   1. Describe common torts and personal injury claims
   2. Discuss criminal law and select aspects of criminal procedure
   3. Explain the elements of a contract and contract formation
   4. Summarize aspects of family law
   5. Discuss aspects of real property law
   6. Describe the administrative law system
   7. Discuss the purposes of wills, trusts, and probate
7. Summarize ethical responsibilities in the legal field
   1. Describe the ethical rules impacting lawyers
   2. Identify the impact of legal ethical rules on work as a paralegal