PLGL-200: Civil Litigation

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Business & Economics
Department
Legal Studies
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Paralegal
Course Number
200
Course Title
Civil Litigation
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
ENG-131 and PLGL-126 both with a C grade or better, or Instructor Permission
Catalog Course Description

Examines civil trials, beginning with a review of the pleadings that initiate a civil law suit and concluding with the trial. Covers pre-trial practice, pre-trial motions, trial preparation, and offers a mock-trial experience. Also explores Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), post-trial motions, and appeals.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Overview of Civil Litigation & Civil Procedure
    • Discuss the federal or state rules of discovery.
    • Discuss the federal or state rules of evidence.
  2. Pretrial Proceedings
    • Explain the process for initiating litigation and preparing for trial.
    • Perform civil litigation research using computer-assisted research skills.
    • Prepare a deposition summary.
    • Draft a complaint, an answer, or other pleading commonly used in litigation.
  3. Trial
    • Explain the stages of a trial.
    • Discuss the substantive and procedural rules of trial and post-trial motions.
    • Participate in a mock trial.
  4. Ethics
    • Evaluate the ethical considerations and the role of the paralegal on the litigation team.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, in-class and out-of-class assignments, drafting assignments, and/or class participation.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Fall 2020