Syllabus
Public Records Research &
Preparation of Legal Title Abstracts
PLGL334 IE
Spring 2002
M 4-7:20PM
PC 3216

Instructor: Bernadette Agresti
Office: Palumbo
Phone: 871-5897
Cell: 873-2516

Course Description: This course will cover the basics of public records research and the theory and practice of completing real estate title abstracts. The course will include practice within the Erie County Courthouse as well as classroom instruction in mapping legal descriptions, preparation of legal descriptions based on surveys, preparation and complete concepts of title searching and adversing.

The course will also touch on areas not usually covered in real estate courses, such as, estates, bankruptcy, federal liens, sheriff Sales, tax sales, divorce law, etc. as they pertain to the mechanic's of a real estate title searches and courthouse research projects.

Outcomes: Student will know the theory and reasons for doing title exams. Student will demonstrate an ability to access real estate records and report facts to attorneys and title companies for review. Student will demonstrate the ability to read and map accurate legal descriptions, as well as point out errors. Student will seek solutions to ethical dilemnas that face paralegals relating to public records research and title exams.

Textbook: Hinkel, Daniel F", Essentials of Practical Real Estate Law.
 

Required Materials: Protractor, Engineer's scale, legal pads, tracing paper.

Assignments: 4 Research Projects 1 Mapping Assignment: 2 Exams

Class Attendance: University policy stipulates: "Attendance at all classes...is expected of all students and 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 of 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.. .However, "absenteeism alone shall not be a factor in grade determinations for upperclassmen."

Evaluation Procedures: Students will be graded on their timely completion of the mapping assignment, exam results, and timely and accurate completion of research projects.

Mapping Assignment: 1Opts
Examinations: 30 pts. (15 pts. each)
Research Assignments: 40 pts. (10 pts. each)
 

90-100 pts. =A
85- 89 pts. = B
80- 84 pts. = C
70- 79 pts. = D
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