Course Descriptions |
PA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts
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4 cr |
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Introduces the student to state and federal court systems; civil and criminal law, including general contract law, tort law, and constitutional law; legal analysis, and the employment functions of paralegals and its ethical implications. Prerequisites: Grade C or better in ENG 0099 or placement into ENG 1108. Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of ENG 1108.
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PA 1103 UCC and Business Organizations
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4 cr |
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Introduces the student to the laws of sales, commercial paper, secured transactions, and the Uniform Commercial Code, as well as agency and partnership, corporations, and other business entities. There is an emphasis on the role of the lawyer and the paralegal in the formation ofess entities which includes the preparation of related documents. Prereq: PA 1102.
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PA 1105 Criminal Justice System
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2 cr |
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Introduces the student to the criminal justice system with special emphasis given to Minnesota law and procedure. Topics covered include: the Minnesota Criminal Code, police, attorneys, judges, constitutional rights, rules of evidence, plea bargaining, trials, and sentencing. Note: It is strongly recommended that students take ENG 1108 before or concurrently with this course.
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PA 1115 Law Office Procedures & Technology
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2 cr |
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Examines the general practices of the law office procedures and technology. This course is designed for students who have had no experience working in a legal office. Topics covered include ownership and management patterns in various practices, legal ethics, law office personnel, technology, marketing, long-range planning, finances, and document/case management systems.
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PA 1185 Special Topics
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2 cr |
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Features an in-depth review of the types of intellectual property laws and their origins, including patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret, and how each establishes protection of intellectual property assets. Also, the course includes a discussion of the administrative processes involved in filing for, establishing and enforcing intellectual property rights.
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PA 2201 Family Law
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3 cr |
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Examines family legal issues involved in marriage, separation, divorce, dissolution, child custody, child support and non-support, adoption, and domestic abuse. Prerequisite: PA 1102.
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PA 2202 Litigation and Trial Practice
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3 cr |
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Examines selected aspects of the rules of evidence, principles of investigating and interviewing, practical applications of selected rules of civil procedure, discovery and preparation for trial and rules of professional responsibility. Particular emphasis is placed upon the role of the paralegal in the litigation process. Prerequisites: PA 1102
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PA 2204 Probate
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3 cr |
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Examines wills, trusts, intestate succession, probate proceedings and estate administration under Minnesota Law. Provides an overview of relevant federal and state tax law as it pertains to estates. Provides practical experience in drafting estate, probate and tax documents. Prerequisites: PA 1102 or instructor's permission.
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PA 2205 Real Estate Law
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3 cr |
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Provides the student with a general understanding of real property laws, the common types of real estate, and how to prepare certain routine real estate documents. The topics of mortgage foreclosure, contract for deeds, mechanics liens, titile examination, and closings are also covered. Prereq: PA 1102 or permission of the Paralegal Director or Instructor.
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PA 2206 Interviewing and Investigating Techniques for the Paralegal
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2 cr |
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Examines general techniques of interviewing and investigating with special emphasis placed on the practical aspects of interviewing witnesses and clients, and investigating cases. Prereq: PA 1102.
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PA 2208 Employment Law
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2 cr |
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Provides an overview of the state and federal rules and regulations that govern the employment relationship. The topics of employment at-will shall be addressed, along with exceptions to the at-will doctrine. The course will also address the creation of implied employment contracts, wrongful discharge, employee privacy interests, and wage and hour regulations. Discrimination and sexual harassment will also be discussed with an emphasis on the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Students will study the Federal Title VII Civil Rights Act and its impact on the employment relationship. Recent legislative developments in the employment law arena will also be reviewed. Prereq: PA 1102
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PA 2212 Personal Injury & E-Discovery
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2 cr |
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Examines selected major issues and themes in civil litigation involving personal injuries and wrongful death with primary emphasis on negligence and medical malpractice. Significant case law, statutes, rules, procedures, and evidentiary and e-discovery principles will be covered. Prereq: PA 1102
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PA 2218 Computerized Legal Research and the Internet
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2 cr |
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Provides the paralegal student with hands-on basic training in the uses of computerized legal research engine(s) and the Internet. This course will include training in web search engines, browsers, searching and indexing tools, and the location of legal materials on the Internet. Also, this class will cover computer query formulation, search and retieval techniques, citation services and and database selections. Focus will concentrate on content on the World Wide Web that paralegals are sure to need. Familiarity with a computer's operation is recommended. Prerequisite: PA 1102 or permission of the director and instructor.
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PA 2220 Legal Research
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3 cr |
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Provides an understanding of the law library and will assist the student in developing research skills through the use of digests, encyclopedias, reporter systems, and practice manuals. This course includes practice problems requiring legal research. The course also will include an introduction to computerized legal research. Prerequisites: PA 1102.
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PA 2222 Legal Writing And Analysis
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3 cr |
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Provides the student with experience in the development of analytical writing skills in the preparation of case and trial briefs, legal memoranda, investigative summaries, and general legal correspondence. Prereq: PA 1102 and PA 2220 (previously PA 1110)
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PA 2289 Paralegal Internship
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2 cr |
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Designed to give the preservice student practical work experience in the paralegal area. The student should have the opportunity to apply what is learned in the classroom to the working world. Prerequisite: Written permission of director of paralegal program one semester in advance.
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