Course Descriptions

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PLEG-105

Civil Procedure and Litigation

Credit(s): 3

This course is designed to teach students the steps necessary to institute and advance a civil lawsuit from the initial client interview through trial. Emphasis is placed on drafting documents instrumental in a civil lawsuit as well as understanding the process.

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PLEG-110

Introduction to Law

Credit(s): 2

This course is an introduction to the American and Idaho legal institutions and processes. It examines the sources of law, the relationships between the federal and state court systems, legal reasoning, ethical standards, and the role of the paralegal. Law office administration is introduced and emphasis on legal fees, timekeeping, billing, and docket control systems.

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PLEG-115

Legal Terminology

Credit(s): 1

This course introduces the spelling, pronunciation, definition, and usage of basic legal terms. The course broadly covers general law terms as well as specialized legal terminology. Topics include word origins, word building, abbreviations and symbols, correct spelling, pronunciation, and meanings of terminology related to the course system, contracts, family law, real estate, litigation, wills/probate, bankruptcy, and other areas of the law.

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PLEG-201

Legal Ethics

Credit(s): 1

This course will examine specific legal issues pertaining to the laws of legal ethics. The Code of Professional Responsibility and the Code of Judicial Ethics are used to examine the boundaries of authorized practices, confidentiality, and delegation of authority.

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PLEG-210

Legal Research and Writing I

Credit(s): 4

This course is an introduction to legal resource materials and methodology. Research skills are developed through law library research and drafting assignments. Emphasis is placed on the use of the legal database and on effective communication of research results through the drafting and preparation of legal documents and instruments.

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PLEG-220

Legal Research and Writing II

Credit(s): 4

This course is a continuation of PLEG-210 with emphasis on the further development of research techniques. Discussion topics include administrative and executive agency research, legislative research, non-legal reference materials, and loose-leaf services. Advanced processes in drafting and preparation of legal documents and instruments are emphasized.
Prerequisites: PLEG-210

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PLEG-230

Evidence

Credit(s): 3

This course will examine specific legal issues pertaining to the laws of evidence. Areas of study include the functions of the judge and jury, the principles of standard and burden of proof in civil and criminal cases, the admissibility of evidence, cross examination and re-examination, trial procedures, hearsay evidence, competence and compellability of witness, character evidence and corroborating evidence.
Prerequisites: PLEG-110, PLEG-115, PLEG-210

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PLEG-250

Family Law

Credit(s): 3

This course is a study of Idaho laws and procedures. Discussion topics include marriage and dissolution of marriage; child custody, visitation, and support; adoptions; domestic violence; and property rights.
Prerequisites: PLEG-115

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PLEG-260

Criminal Law and Procedure

Credit(s): 3

This course is an exploration of the criminal justice system including the application of Idaho laws. Discussion topics include a study of the definition of a crime, institution of criminal action, defenses to criminal accusation, the court process, negotiated and formal pleadings, constitutional safeguards, and sentencing and probation.
Prerequisites: PLEG-115

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PLEG-280

Torts and Contracts

Credit(s): 3

This course teaches a basic understanding of two important aspects of law: torts and contracts. The course examines the principles of civil wrongs and liabilities (torts) including causes of action from negligence, industrial injuries, and professional malpractice. The class will address fault and without-fault actions, strict liability, and intentional torts. Defenses and damages are also explored. The semester includes a study of contract law as found in the Common Law and Article Two of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Prerequisites: PLEG-110, PLEG-115
Recommended: PLEG-210

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PLEG-290

Paralegal Internship I

Credit(s): 3

This course provides a practical application of paralegal skills in a law office or law-related office. There are approximately nine hours per week of supervised work in the office to add breadth and depth to the student's paralegal experiences.
Prerequisites: PLEG-105, PLEG-110, PLEG-115, PLEG-210