department outcomes

The Legal Studies Department seeks to equip men and women with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with church programs, ministries and organizations that serve the poor, those in need, or the disenfranchised. Students who graduate with a major in legal studies will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundation, nature, and scope of the American legal system.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and techniques of basic legal research and writing.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues that present themselves at various junctures in American law and the criminal justice system.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, scope, and key concepts of business law.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and process of civil litigation.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and scope of tort law and appropriate defenses.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and scope of intellectual property law
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of major concepts and issues related to family law.
  9. Demonstrate an understanding of wills, probate, and trusts.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of real estate law.
  11. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and scope of criminal law and procedure.

courses and descriptions

LGS 105 Introduction to American Law
LGS 123 Legal Procedure for Paralegals
LGS 200 Legal Research & Writing
LGS 270 Legal System Ethics
LGS 305 Business Law I
LGS 306 Business Law II
LGS 307 Civil Litigation
LGS 312 Tort Law
LGS 314 Intellectual Property Law
LGS 315 Marriage and Family Law
LGS 317 Wills, Trusts, and Estates
LGS 320 Real Estate Law
LGS 324 Criminal Law and Procedure
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the foundation, nature, and scope of the American legal system.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Introduction to Law, 7th edition. The authors are Beth Walston-Dunham, J.D.© 2020 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Discuss the functions and sources of law.
  2. Describe the general classifications of law.
  3. Discuss the basic methods of finding and interpreting law.
  4. Discuss the scope and importance of legal ethics.
  5. Describe the nature of various areas of substantive law.
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

          LGS 105.1 The American Legal System
                        First Area of Study: The Historical Basis of the American Legal System
                        Second Area of Study: The Courts
                        Third Area of Study: Legislation
                        Fourth Area of Study: The Executive Branch and Administrative Authority
          LGS 105.2 Legal Profession and Ethics
                        First Area of Study: Substantive and Procedural Issues
                        Second Area of Study: Jurisdiction
                        Third Area of Study: The Legal Professional
                        Fourth Area of Study: The Law and Ethics
          LGS 105.3 Areas of Substantive Law
                        First Area of Study: Torts
                        Second Area of Study Family Law
                        Third Area of Study: Estates and Probate
                        Fourth Area of Study: Property Law
                        Fifth Area of Study: The Law of Contracts
                        Sixth Area of Study: The Law of Business
                        Seventh Area of Study: Criminal Law
                        Eighth Area of Study: Criminal Procedure
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to educate students in the environment in which paralegals work as well as the daily challenges faced by paralegals.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Paralegal Today, The Essentials. 7th Edition. The authors are Roger LeRoy Miller and Mary Meinzinger. This book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes:  By the end of this study, students will be able to:
  1. Identify the key skills and attributes of the professional paralegal.
  2. Prepare, plan, and pursue a career as a paralegal.
  3. Demonstrate organization, management, and procedural characteristics of law firms.
  4. Understand how the ethical rules governing attorneys affect paralegal practice.
  5. Discuss the meaning and importance of case law, Constitutional law, statutory law, and administrative law.
  6. Comprehend the different types of courts in the American system.
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 123.1: The Paralegal Profession
                        First Area of Study: Today’s Professional Paralegal
                        Second Area of Study: Career Opportunities
                        Third Area of Study: The Inner Workings of the Law Office
                        Fourth Area of Study:  Ethics and Professional Responsibility
            LGS 123.2  Law, Courts, and Legal Research
                        First Area of Study: Sources of American Law 
                        Second Area of Study: The Court System and Alternative Dispute Resolution
                        Third Area of Study: Legal Research and Analysis
                        Fourth Area of Study: Online Legal Research
                        Fifth Area of Study: Legal Writing: Form and Substance
            LGS 123.3 General Trial Procedures
                        First Area of Study: Civil Litigation: Before the Trial
                        Second Area of Study: Conducting Interviews and Investigations
                        Third Area of Study: Trial Procedures
                        Fourth Area of Study: Criminal Law and Procedures
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           Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the nature and techniques of basic legal research and writing.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Legal Research, Analysis and Writing, 4th edition. The authors are William H. Putman and Jennifer Albright. © 2018 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Objectives: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of legal research and writing.
  2. Be able to locate and use primary and secondary authorities.
  3. Develop a general understanding of the federal and state court systems.
  4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the elements of a court decision, how to locate cases through the use of digests, and how to brief a case.
  5. Apply the techniques of legal writing including citation form; cite checking; the methods of compiling legislative histories; administrative and international legal research; and the writing of letters, law office memoranda, and court briefs
Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 200.1 Introduction to Legal Process and Research
                        First Area of Study: Introduction to Legal Principles and Authorities
                        Second Area of Study: Introduction to Legal Research and Analysis
                        Third Area of Study: Constitutions, Statutes, Administrative Law, and Court Rules
                        Fourth Area of Study: Case Law – Research and Briefing
                        Fifth Area of Study: Secondary Authority and Other Research Sources
                        Sixth Area of Study: Secondary Authority
                        Seventh Area of Study: Computers and Internet Legal Research
                        Eighth Area of Study: Commercial Internet Research
            LGS 200.2 The Specifics of Legal Analysis
                        First Area of Study: Legal Analysis—Key Facts
                        Second Area of Study: Legal Analysis: Issue Identification—Spotting The Issue
                        Third Area of Study: Legal Analysis: Stating the Issue
                        Fourth Area of Study: Case Law Analysis – Is a Case on Point?
                        Fifth Area of Study: Counteranalysis
          LGS 200.3 Legal Writing
                        First Area of Study: Fundamentals of Writing
                        Second Area of Study: The Writing Process for Effective Legal Writing
                        Third Area of Study: Office Legal Memorandum: Issues and Facts
                        Fourth Area of Study: Office Legal Memorandum: Analysis to Conclusion
                        Fifth Area of Study: External Memoranda: Court Briefs
                        Sixth Area of Study: Correspondence
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of ethical issues that present themselves at various junctures in American law and the criminal justice system.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice, 10th edition. The author is Joycelyn M. Pollock. © 2019 Cengage Learning. This book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
           Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three one
credit courses listed beloww, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of justice
  2. Discuss basic ethical theories and their application to criminal justice practice
  3. Identify ethical issues commonly occurring during criminal justice operations
  4. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and reasoning to resolving common ethical dilemmas encountered in criminal justice practice
  5. Discuss how the ethical decision making process can be corrupted by group think and peer pressure
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 270.1 Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
                        First Area of Study: Morality, Ethics, and Human Behavior
                        Second Area of Study: Determining Moral Behavior
                        Third Area of Study: Justice and Law
                        Fourth Area of Study: Becoming an Ethical Professional
            LGS 270.2 Police and Legal Practice Ethics
                        First Area of Study: The Police Role in Society: Crime Fighter or Public Servant?
                        Second Area of Study: Police Discretion and Dilemmas
                        Third Area of Study: Police Corruption and Responses
                        Fourth Area of Study: Law and Legal Professionals
                        Fifth Area of Study: Discretion and Dilemmas in the Legal Profession
                        Sixth Area of Study: Ethical Misconduct in the Courts and Responses
            LGS 270.3 Ethics in Corrections
                        First Area of Study: The Ethics of Punishment and Corrections
                        Second Area of Study: Discretion and Dilemmas in Corrections
                        Third Area of Study: Correctional Professionals: Misconduct and Responses
                        Fourth Area of Study: Making Ethical Choices
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the nature, scope, and key concepts of business law.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Business Law Today, Comprehensive, 13th edition. The author is Roger LeRoy Miller. © 2022 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Objectives:  Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Describe the U.S. legal system and the legal environment of business.
  2. Describe the relationship of ethics and law in business.
  3. Discuss the elements of a contract.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of commercial transactions.
  5. Discuss the value of alternative dispute resolution.
  6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of several areas of law related to business such as tort law, product liability, intellectual property rights, and internet related law.
           Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 305.1 The Legal Environment of Business
                        First Area of Study: Law and Legal Reasoning
                        Second Area of Study: Constitutional Law
                        Third Area of Study: Ethics in Business
                        Fourth Area of Study: Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution
                        Fifth Area of Study: Tort Law
                        Sixth Area of Study: Product Liability
                        Seventh Area of Study: Intellectual Property Rights
                        Eighth Area of Study: Internet Law, Social Media, and Privacy
                        Ninth Area of Study: Criminal Law and Cyber Crime
            LGS 305.2 Contracts and E-Contracts
                        First Area of Study: Nature and Classification
                        Second Area of Study: Agreement
                        Third Area of Study: Consideration
                        Fourth Area of Study: Capacity and Legality
                        Fifth Area of Study: Voluntary Consent
                        Sixth Area of Study: The Statute of Frauds—Writing Requirement
                        Seventh Area of Study: Performance and Discharge
                        Eighth Area of Study: Breach and Remedies
                        Ninth Area of Study: Third Party Rights       
          LGS 305.3 Commercial Transactions
                        First Area of Study: The Formation of Sales and Lease Contracts
                        Second Area of Study: Title and Risk of Loss
                        Third Area of Study: Performance and Breach of Sales and Lease Contracts
                        Fourth Area of Study: Negotiable Instruments
                        Fifth Area of Study: International and Space Law
                        Sixth Area of Study: Banking in the Digital Age
                        Seventh Area of Study: Security Interests and Creditors’ Rights
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the nature, scope, and key concepts of business law.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Business Law Today, Comprehensive, 13th edition. The author is Roger LeRoy Miller. © 2022 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Objectives:  Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal environment of business.
  2. Communicate effectively using standard business and legal terminology.
  3. Discuss several forms of business organization and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and function of several forms of governmental regulation as they relate to business.
  5. Explain basic principles of law related to agency and employment law.
  6. Describe current law, rules, and regulations related to settling business disputes
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 306.1 Agency and Employment Law
                        First Area of Study: Agency Relationships in Business
                        Second Area of Study: Employment, Immigration, and Labor Law
                        Third Area of Study: Employment Discrimination
            LGS 306.2 Business Organizations
                        First Area of Study: Sole Proprietorships and Franchises
                        Second Area of Study: All Forms of Partnership
                        Third Area of Study: Limited Liability Companies and Special Business Forms
                        Fourth Area of Study: Corporate Formation and Financing
                        Fifth Area of Study: Corporate Directors, Officers, and Shareholders
                        Sixth Area of Study: Corporate Mergers, Takeovers, and Termination
                        Seventh Area of Study: Investor Protection and Corporate Governance
            LGS 306.3 Government Regulation and Property Law
                        First Area of Study: Administrative Law
                        Second Area of Study: Antitrust Law and Promoting Competition
                        Third Area of Study: Consumer and Environmental Law
                        Fourth Area of Study: Liability of Accountants and Other Professionals
                        Fifth Area of Study: Area of Study: Personal Property and Bailments
                        Sixth Area of Study: Real Property and Landlord-Tenant Law
                        Seventh Area of Study: Insurance, Wills, and Trusts
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the nature and process of civil litigation.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Civil Litigation, 8th edition. The authors are Peggy Kerley, Joanne Banker Hames, and Paul Sukys. © 2020 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the ethical problems that arise in the litigation process.
  2. Describe the important concepts of litigation, the rules of courts, the pleadings, motions, methods of discovery, the various forms of evidence, and trial techniques in general.
  3. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the process of discovery.
  4. Demonstrate an ability to assemble, organize, and index documents, exhibits, and evidence.
  5. Discuss the benefits of alternative dispute resolution.
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 307.1 Introduction to Civil Litigation
                        First Area of Study: Litigation and the Paralegal
                        Second Area of Study: The Courts and Jurisdiction
                        Third Area of Study: Preliminary Considerations and Procedures
                        Fourth Area of Study: Investigation and Evidence
                        Fifth Area of Study: The Complaint
                        Sixth Area of Study: Responses to the Complaint
                        Seventh Area of Study: Motion Practice
            LGS 307.2 Discovery
                        First Area of Study: Overview of the Discovery Process
                        Second Area of Study: Depositions
                        Third Area of Study: Interrogatories
                        Fourth Area of Study: Physical and Mental Examinations
                        Fifth Area of Study: Requests for Documents
                        Sixth Area of Study: Requests for Admission and Ethical Problems of Discovery
          LGS 307.3 Pretrial, Trial, and Post-trial
                        First Area of Study Settlements, Dismissals, and Alternative Dispute Resolution
                        Second Area of Study: Trial Techniques
                        Third Area of Study: Post-trial Practice
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the nature and scope of tort law and appropriate defenses.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Tort Law, 6th edition. The author is J. Stanley Edwards, J.D. © 2016 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the scope of tort law.
  2. Identify the elements of the intentional torts and defenses to each.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of punitive damages.
  4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the tort of negligence and defenses.
  5. Explain the concept of strict liability.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of how a tort action is commenced.
  7. Identify pleadings in a tort action.
  8. Describe the parts of a complaint for tort damages.
  9. Describe the parts to a defense of a tort action.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of affirmative defense.
  11. Discuss how discovery is conducted in a tort case.
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 312.1 Introduction
                        First Area of Study: Overview of Tort Law
                        Second Area of Study: Overview of a Tort Case
                        Third Area of Study: Intentional Torts
            LGS 312.2 Reasons to Sue
                        First Area of Study: Negligence: Duty
                        Second Area of Study: Negligence: Breach of Duty
                        Third Area of Study: Negligence: Causation
                        Fourth Area of Study: Negligence: Damages
                        Fifth Area of Study: Negligence: Defenses
                        Sixth Area of Study: Malpractice
                        Seventh Area of Study: Misrepresentation, Nuisance, and Other Torts
                        Eighth Area of Study: Strict Liability
                        Ninth Area of Study: Product Liability
                        Tenth Area of Study: Defamation and Related Torts
            LGS 312.3 Litigation Part III
                        First Area of Study: Vicarious Liability
                        Second Area of Study: Joint Liability
                        Third Area of Study: Tort Reform
                        Fourth Area of Study: Automobile Insurance
                        Fifth Area of Study: Bad Faith
                        Sixth Area of Study: Workers’ Compensation
                        Eighth Area of Study: Strict Liability
                        Ninth Area of Study: Product Liability
                        Tenth Area of Study: Defamation and Related Torts
            LGS 312.3 Litigation Part III
                        First Area of Study: Vicarious Liability
                        Second Area of Study: Joint Liability
                        Third Area of Study: Tort Reform
                        Fourth Area of Study: Automobile Insurance
                        Fifth Area of Study: Bad Faith
                        Sixth Area of Study: Workers’ Compensation
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the nature and scope of intellectual property law
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Intellectual Property: The Law of Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, and Trade Secrets, 5th Edition. The author is Deborah E. Bouchoux, Esq. © 2018 Cengage Learning. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the justifications and rationales for protecting intellectual property.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key doctrines of intellectual property law. 
  3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding regarding the different roles that state and federal law play in the intellectual property law process.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the appropriate procedures for obtaining intellectual property protection.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the appropriate procedures for disputing intellectual property protection.
           Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 314.1 The Law of Trademarks
                        First Area of Study: Introduction to Intellectual Property Law.
                        Second Area of Study: Foundations of Trademark Law.
                        Third Area of Study: Trademark Selection and Searching.
                        Fourth Area of Study: The Trademark Registration Process.
                        Fifth Area of Study: Post-Registration Procedures, Trademark Maintenance, Transfer
                        Sixth Area of Study: Inter Partes Proceedings, Infringement, and Dilution.
                        Seventh Area of Study: New Developments in Trademark Law.
                        Eighth Area of Study: International Trademark Law.
            LGS 314.2 The Law of Copyrights
                        First Area of Study: Foundations of Copyright Law.
                        Second Area of Study: The Subject Matter of Copyright.
                        Third Area of Study: The Rights Afforded by Copyright Law.
                        Fourth Area of Study: Copyright Ownership, Transfers, and Duration.
                        Fifth Area of Study: Copyright Registration, Searching, and Notice of Copyright.
                        Sixth Area of Study: Copyright Infringement.
                        Seventh Area of Study: New Developments and Semi-Conductor Chip Protection Act.
                        Eighth Area of Study: International Copyright Law.            
            LGS 314.3 The Law of Patents and Trade Secrets
                        First Area of Study: Foundations of Patent Law.
                        Second Area of Study: Patent Searches and Applications.
                        Third Area of Study: Patent Ownership and Transfer.
                        Fourth Area of Study: Patent Infringement.
                        Fifth Area of Study: New Developments and International Patent Law.
                        Sixth Area of Study: Trade Secrets Law.
                        Seventh Area of Study: Unfair Competition.
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of major concepts and issues related to family law.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Family Law, 7th edition. The author is William P. Statsky. © 2021 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an ability to prepare initial documents related to a family law matter.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to conduct an initial client interview in a family law matter.
    explain the concepts of a valid marriage.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of jurisdiction and venue in family law.
  4. Briefly discuss issues of child custody and support.
  5. Discuss some of the issues related to matters of paternity.
  6. Discuss some issues related to child abuse and neglect.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical concepts relating to family law.
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 315.1 Marriage and Family Law
                        First Area of Study: Introduction to Family Law and Practice
                        Second Area of Study: Ethics in a Family Law Practice
                        Third Area of Study: Compiling a Family History
                        Fourth Area of Study: Premarital, Postnuptial, and Cohabitation Agreements
                        Fifth Area of Study: Traditional Marriage and Alternatives
                        Sixth Area of Study: Annulment
            LGS 315.2 Divorce, Child and Spousal Support 
                        First Area of Study: Divorce Grounds and Procedure
                        Second Area of Study: Spousal Support, Property Division, Separation Agreement
                        Third Area of Study: Child Custody
                        Fourth Area of Study: Child Support
            LGS 315.3 Issues Related to Family Law
                        First Area of Study: Tax Consequences of Separation and Divorce
                        Second Area of Study: The Legal Rights of Women
                        Third Area of Study: Illegitimacy and Paternity
                        Fourth Area of Study: The Legal Status of Children
                        Fifth Area of Study: Adoption
                        Sixth Area of Study: The New Science of Motherhood
                        Seventh Area of Study: Torts and Family Law
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop a foundational understanding of wills, probate, and trusts.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration, 9th edition. The authors are Janis Walter and Emma Wright. © 2022 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Define and properly use terminology relating to wills, trusts, and probate administration.
  2. Recognize legal issues and where there may be estate or tax problems which need further research and/or investigation.
  3. Have a general familiarity with some common estate planning documents and forms.
  4. Discuss The purpose of wills and the process of probate administration, and know how to prepare testamentary documents.
  5. Discuss the role and ethical obligations of persons preparing documents for wills, trusts, and probate administration.
  6. Draft common estate planning documents such as a will, revocable living trust and durable power of attorney
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 317.1 Wills
                        First Area of Study: The Concept of Property Related to Wills
                        Second Area of Study: The Estate Plan, and The purpose and Need for a Will
                        Third Area of Study: The Law of Succession: Death Testate or Intestate
                        Fourth Area of Study: Wills: Validity, Modification, Revocation, and Contests
                        Fifth Area of Study: Preparation to Draft a Will: Checklists and Conference
                        Sixth Area of Study: Final Draft and Execution of a Valid Will
            LGS 317.2 Probate
                        First Area of Study: The Participants and the Proper Court
                        Second Area of Study: Personal Representatives: Types, Duties, and Appointment
                        Third Area of Study: Probate and Estate Administration
                        Fourth Area of Study: Informal Probate Administration
                        Fifth Area of Study: Tax Considerations in the Administration of Estates
           LGS 317.3 Trusts and Estate Planning
                        First Area of Study: Introduction to Trusts
                        Second Area of Study: Classification of Trusts, Living Trust, and Special Trusts
                        Third Area of Study: Estate Planning
                        Fourth Area of Study: Long-Term Care
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of real estate law.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Practical Real Estate Law, 8th edition. The author is Daniel F. Hinkel. © 2021 Cengage Learning. The book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
            Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three, one credit courses listed below students will be able to:
  1. Differentiate real estate law from other types of law.
  2. Explain how real estate law impacts the daily lives of most Americans.
  3. Identify and explain important concepts in real estate law including: real property, the general laws of land ownership and real estate transactions; title examinations and methods of title transfer; sales contracts and the sales process; real estate financing options; and the closing/settlement process.
  4. Explain the roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards of those working in the area of real estate law.
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 320.1 Introduction to Real Estate Law
                        First Area of Study: Introduction to the Law of Real Property
                        Second Area of Study: Concurrent Ownership
                        Third Area of Study: Surveys and Land Descriptions
                        Fourth Area of Study: Public Regulation and Encumbrances
                        Fifth Area of Study: Easements and Licenses
                        Sixth Area of Study: Contracts
            LGS 320.2 Topics in Real Estate Law Part I  
                        First Area of Study: Preparation and Review of a Real Estate Contract
                        Second Area of Study: Deeds
                        Third Area of Study: Financing Sources in Real Estate Transactions
                        Fourth Area of Study: Legal Aspects of Real Estate Finance
                        Fifth Area of Study: Mortgage Forms and Provisions
                        Sixth Area of Study: Title Examinations
            LGS 320.3 Topics in Real Estate Law Part II 
                        First Area of Study: Title Insurance
                        Second Area of Study: Real Estate Closings
                        Third Area of Study: Government Regulation of Real Estate Closings
                        Fourth Area of Study:  Real Estate Closing Forms and Examples
                        Fifth Area of Study: Condominiums and Cooperatives
                        Sixth Area of Study: Leases
 
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            Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the nature and scope of criminal law and procedure.
            Recommended Textbook: The recommended textbook for this course is Criminal Law and Procedure, 7th Edition. The author is Daniel E. Hall. 2015 Cengage Learning. This book is available through a number of retailers for purchase or rent. It is included in the Cengage Unlimited program.
           Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the three one credit
courses listed beloww, students will be able to:
  1. Discuss The purpose of laws prohibiting certain behaviors.
  2. Articulate the components of the crime that form the basis of criminal behavior.
  3. Explain which incomplete crimes give rise to criminal liability.
  4. Discuss the major types of crimes against persons.
  5. Discuss the major types of crime against property.
  6. Discuss how the use of illegal drugs and alcohol influence the commission of crimes.
  7. Discuss the roles of the police, the prosecutor, the judge, criminal defense attorney, and other key actor in criminal process.
  8. Discuss the differences in the processing of felony and misdemeanor cases, the steps and procedures in the accusatory process, and the various stages of a criminal trial.
  9. Explain the constitutional rights of an accused person before, during, and after trial.
  10. Understand the nature of sentencing process and functions of the appellate review.
            Structure: Each Area of Study corresponds to a chapter of the recommended textbook. One credit courses are designed to be completed in approximately four weeks.

            LGS 324.1 Concepts of Criminal Law Part I
                        First Area of Study: Introduction to the Legal System of the United States.
                        Second Area of Study: Introduction to Criminal Law.
                        Third Area of Study: The Two Essential Elements.
                        Fourth Area of Study: Crimes Against the Person.
                        Fifth Area of Study: Crimes Against Property and Habitation.
            LGS 324.2  Concepts in Criminal Law Part II
                        First Area of Study: Crimes Against the Public.
                        Second Area of Study: Parties and Inchoate Offenses.
                        Third Area of Study: Factual and Statutory Defenses.
                        Fourth Area of Study: Constitutional Defenses.                    
            LGS 324.3 Criminal Procedure
                        First Area of Study:  Introduction and Participants.
                        Second Area of Study: Constitutional Aspects of Criminal Procedure.
                        Third Area of Study: Searches, Seizures, and Arrests.
                        Fourth Area of Study: Interrogation and Other Law Enforcement Practices.
                        Fifth Area of Study: The Pretrial Process.
                        Sixth Area of Study: Trial.
                        Seventh Area of Study: Sentencing and Appeal.