Course Name: INTRODUCTION TO LAW
                       LEGL 111
Semester: Fall 2005
Day & Time: Mon/Weds/Fri 8:00-8:50am
Location: Palumbo Center, Rm. 3216
Textbook: Cheeseman, Henry R. & Thomas Goldman

                 The Paralegal Professional
Instructor: Ms. Bernadette Agresti
                871-5897Office
                873-2516Cell

Course Overview: This course will cover the paralegal's role in substantive areas of law. It will include introduction to the American legal system. Concepts of federalism and separation of powers are explained. The structure and functions of the judicial branch are detailed. A brief but essential examination of various legal areas is examined. Legal ethics will be discussed throughout the semester.

Outcomes: Students will have mastered key legal terms as they relate to the areas of specialization. Students will have a good knowledge of the American Legal system and court system. Students will be able to discuss documents that relate to specific course lectures. Students will be able to chart the state and federal court system. Students will be able to identify the primary skills important to paralegals in the areas of Litigation; Torts; Criminal law; Corporate Law; Family Law; Wills, Trusts & Estates; Real Estate Law; Contracts and Bankruptcy. Students will study several ethical issues facing the profession and will be able to identify solutions to ethical dilemmas.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classroom sessions. University policy stipulates: "Attendance at all classes and laboratory sessions expected of all students and a all courses are conducted with this understanding. A student's grades are based upon the general quality of work performed in each course and by such factors as prompt completion of all assignments, papers and readings, by presence for all examinations, and by participation in class discussion. The faculty has no obligation to provide special consideration of any kind to students who are absent from classes or examinations, unless, in the judgment of the faculty member, the reason for the absence warrants such consideration. Assignments and examinations missed are graded as failures. Class attendance can be mandated by a faculty member and can affect the grade, provided that students are notified through the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. Students are advised that class attendance can have a substantial influence on the quality of performance and completion of assignments, in class participation, in laboratory work, in preparation for and success in examinations, and in any other factors that maybe used as criteria in determining the grades that will be received. "Assignments: to that class." Freshmen who are absent from a particular course in excess to twice the number of credit hours assigned to that course may be dismissed from the course upon recommendation by the faculty member to the Dean of the Student's division. Missing an 80-minute period is considered as one and one-half absences. The readings for each class should be completed prior to that class.

8 Quizzes
1 short paper on a specific legal ethical issue (3-5 pgs.)
The ethics paper is the final exam.
There will movie-watching assignments and reports
given to groups of students that will be graded.

Restrictions: Students are not to use cell phones nor text- messaging during class. Any student found to be breaking this rule will be asked to leave the class and if used during any exams will get an automatic failing grade for that exam.

Evaluation: Students will listen to lectures, ask questions in class and/or via e-mail correspondence with the instructor. Eight exams will be worth 5pts. each (total 40 points) and the short ethics paper (final exam) is worth 20 points. The movie-watching assignments and reports will be worth 40 points to each student/participant.

Grading: 92-100 =A
89. 91 =B+
87- 88 = B
84- 86 =C+
79- 83 =C
76-78 =D
75-below = F