School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Business & Economics
Department
Legal Studies
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Legal Studies
Course Number
228
Course Title
Technology in the Law
Cross-Referenced Course
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
CIS-100 with a C grade or better and ENG-131 eligible, or Instructor Permission
Catalog Course Description
Introduces students to the fundamentals of how to use computer technology to accomplish tasks performed by paralegals in a law office. Examines software applications involving document creation, assembly, and management. Students will also examine litigation support, case management software, electronic discovery, and presentation tools used in today's courtrooms. This course addresses ethical considerations in the use of computer technology in the law.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Terminology
- Identify basic computer terminology frequently used in legal organizations.
- Word Processing and Document Assembly
- Demonstrate an ability to draft, edit, and print short legal documents by using a word processor and document assembly software.
- Spreadsheets
- Demonstrate an ability to develop short spreadsheets used in the legal environment.
- Timekeeping and Billing
- Explain the importance of timekeeping and billing.
- Identify types of legal fee agreements.
- Explain how computers can be used to expedite the timekeeping and billing process.
- The Cloud
- Explain how the cloud is used in the legal environment.
- Demonstrate an understanding of security and confidentiality issues related to electronic transmission of documents/information.
- Case Management
- Demonstrate an ability to use case management and docket control programs to manage and control a legal organization’s cases and the tasks to be completed and scheduled.
- Litigation Support
- Explain how to provide litigation support, including how to build litigation support databases and strategies for searching and extracting information from databases.
- Electronic Discovery
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of electronic discovery.
- Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in an automated courtroom.
- Demonstrate an ability to design and execute effective presentations.
- Ethics
- Evaluate the ethical considerations and the role of the paralegal in working with technology in a legal setting.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
Quizzes, tests, in-class and out-of-class assignments, drafting assignments, and/or class participation.
Outcomes
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Skilled Demonstration Details
A hands-on demonstration to display competence of course learning objectives.
Approval Dates
Effective Term
Fall 2019
Review Semester
Fall 2019