Legal Studies

LW103 The American Legal System (3 credits)

In this course students will study the structure of the American legal system and the types of laws that come from each branch of the government. They will be introduced briefly to several substantive areas of the law and learn how to read and brief court opinions relating to them. They will also become familiar with the basics of legal analysis, with an emphasis on clear, logical, thoughtful writing. There will be a short introduction to legal ethical issues which are covered in more depth in future courses.

LW201 Law Office Management (3 credits)

Often, particularly in small offices, a paralegal fulfills office manager functions. In addition to management issues relevant to any modern professional office, students in this course will explore topics unique to a law office, including conflicts of interest, time keeping, billing procedures, monitor systems, and client files. Personnel issues, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, substance abuse prevention, and stress management also will be discussed. Students will be required to develop policies and systems in response to these issues. Computer technology, ethical issues regarding technology, and the use of software programs for word processing, case management, time keeping, and billing will be addressed.

LW203 Litigation (3 credits)

This course provides the student with a thorough understanding of the processing of a civil suit in both federal and state courts. Emphasis is placed on the rules of civil procedure, the discovery process, trial preparation, and post-trial considerations. Students will draft complaints, answers, interrogatories, and other pleadings in preparation for trial. PR: LW103.

LW205 Legal Research and Writing I (3 credits)

This introductory course provides the opportunity for students to become competent in the use of primary and secondary legal resource materials. Students will analyze and research legal problems and will prepare legal memoranda based on the research.Writing clarity, proper citation format, and case history research are emphasized. Students also will become familiar with electronic legal research. PR: LW103 or MN200.

LW212 Property Law and Real Estate Transactions (3 credits)

In this course, students study the nature of personal and real property, including laws regarding fixtures, air and water rights, easements, eminent domain, public and private nuisance, land use and regulation, adverse possession, and types of property ownership. In addition, the essentials of a residential real estate transaction are covered. Students will briefly study the landlord and tenant relationship. By studying actual court cases, students gain insight into the development of the law and the impact of legal theories on real estate transactions. PR: LW103.

LW220 Family Law (3 credits)

This course covers the law as it pertains to family relationships, including marriage, separation, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and adoption. Students will learn to analyze family law problems in the context of changing public policies relating to personal relationships. PR: LW103.

LW222 Wills, Trusts, and Estates (3 credits)

In this course, students will study the laws relating to testate and intestate succession and testamentary and living trusts. The course will address the statutory formalities for making a valid will, the passing of property by intestate succession, and the use and requirements of trusts. The course will also introduce students to the structure of estate and gift taxes. The course also covers how to administer an estate, including working with the relevant documents. It will briefly cover guardianships and conservatorships. PR: LW103.

LW226 Corporations and Partnerships (3 credits)

This course focuses on the principles of the law of corporations. Students will analyze the characteristics of sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, partnerships, and corporations and will study the factors influencing the
choice of business entity. The course also includes preparation of documents, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, shareholder agreements, and partnership agreements. PR: LW103.

LW229 Criminal Law (3 credits)

This course provides the student with an understanding of the law of criminal behavior. Students will explore the societal and economic causes and effects of crime. Crimes against persons, property, and the public are studied, along with relevant defenses to criminal liability. Criminal procedure from pre-arrest to conviction will be introduced. PR: LW103 or CJ101.

LW235 Constitutional Law (3 credits)

Through reading and discussing United States Supreme Court cases, students in this course will learn how the Constitution and its interpretation affect American government and society. Students will study leading cases in the following areas: civil liberties and the rights of the accused, sex, reproduction, and privacy, government and separation of powers, civil rights and racial discrimination, commerce, labor, and governmental regulation of business, and freedom of expression and religion. PR: LW103 or CJ101.

LW250 Mock Trial (3 credits)

This course will introduce students to trial procedure using a prepared "case" complete with witness statements, exhibits, and any necessary law. No background in legal studies is required. Although class members will eventually work in teams, the academic focus is on each student's critical thinking, public speaking, organizational, and writing skills. The text and other sources will give students the basic information about how a trial is conducted. During the semester students will participate in activities that will help them prepare for trial, and they will conduct the trials during final classes. Each student will act as a witness at least once in a trial and as an "attorney" who is prosecuting or defending the case. PR: EN105.

LW301 Mediation and Conflict Resolution (3 credits)

In this course, students will study the theory and practice of alternative methods of conflict resolution. Classroom exercises will expose students to simulations of a variety of conflict situations and provide training in the processes of negotiation, mediation and other forms of intervention. The effects of factors such as race, gender, and culture will be considered. This course is relevant to students in legal studies, psychology, and business programs. PR: (CJ/LW/MN2xx or PS2xx) & junior status. PR: (CJ/MN2xx) & junior status.

LW305 Legal Research and Writing II (3 credits)

Building upon a working knowledge of the many types of legal research tools available in a law library, this course will further develop the writing aspects of legal research. Students are required to apply legal writing principles to practical problems. Adherence to ethical guidelines in legal research is stressed. Students will evaluate and research complex legal problems, prepare memoranda of law, and analyze legal writing. Students will be required to write legal memoranda using the law found in their own research and to prepare the research for presentation to the client. PR: LW205 & junior status.

LW310 Bankruptcy Law (3 credits)

This course will explore the historical development of the laws of bankruptcy. Students will study the federal Bankruptcy Code and the process of filing for bankruptcy under Chapters, 7, 11, and 13. The effect and procedure surrounding foreclosure, fraudulent transfer, and enforcement of judgments will be addressed. Students will prepare petitions, learn how to handle “341” meetings of creditors, and adopt motions and objections common to many bankruptcy cases. PR: LW203.

LW315 Environmental Law (3 credits)

This course focuses on the regulation of land and the environment as promulgated by the federal and state governments. Students will examine the composition and authority of the Environmental Protection Agency on both the federal and state levels. Important legislation such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act will be analyzed. Students will learn the procedure and the implications of bringing an environmental action against individuals, corporations, and the government. PR: LW203.

LW317 Immigration Law and Policy (3 credits)

This course is a study of the federal laws and regulations surrounding immigration. Students will explore the history of United States immigration laws and the sociological and political impact of the regulation of immigrants. The Immigration and Nationality Act and its amendments will be used to study the issues, rules, and procedures regarding alien registration, citizenship, naturalization, and deportation. PR: LW203.

LW495 Legal Studies Seminar (3 credits)

This is an advanced course designed to be taken in conjunction with the Legal Studies Internship or Bachelor Thesis. Students will be required to choose and conduct research on contemporary sociological, political, or technological issues facing the legal profession and present their findings to the class. The course will also analyze ethical dilemmas inherent in the legal profession. PR: junior status.

LW498 Legal Studies Bachelor Thesis (3 credits)

As an alternative to completing an internship, during the senior year students may elect to write a research paper on an approved topic. The paper will focus on a current legal issue and will require significant legal research and investigation, including a first-hand experience of the legal profession at work (e.g. observing a court session or trial, an administrative hearing, or an alternative dispute resolution session). Each student will be required to submit a written report to be evaluated by a panel of department faculty. PR: senior status & Dean's approval.

LW499 Legal Studies Internship (3 credits)

During the senior year, students will be placed in supervised legal assistant positions in law offices or law-related settings in governmental agencies, courts, and corporations. The internship is designed to integrate the knowledge of course work with the practical work environment. Students will be required to complete 200 hours with the placement, to keep journals, and to consult with faculty coordinators at designated times throughout the semester to discuss situations, problems, and ethical concerns. A final written project will be required at the completion of the internship. PR: senior status & approved Internship Petition.

PR = prerequisite(s)