2006-07 Catalog Archive (Archived July 31, 2006)

One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

Course Descriptions

LAS100
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Overview of the legal system and the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal process, including the tasks unique to specialized areas of law in both the private and public sectors. Introduction includes the structure and operation of the court systems, the sources of American law, the fundamentals of legal research, and basic legal terminology. Emphasis on basic civil procedure and common law tort principles as well as the ethical obligations of paralegals and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Prerequisite for all of the Legal Assistant Courses. Restricted to LA, BLA, and LX majors. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

LAS110
Business Organizational Law
Overview of the various forms of business organization - sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations. Analysis includes the basic characteristics of each form of organization as well as the contracts and documents developed in the set-up, operation, and dissolution of each. Discussion includes the ethical issues relevant to business organization law. Business Law I (MGT 231 or MGT 301) and Business Law II (MGT 241 or MGT 302) cannot be substituted for this course. Restricted to LA, BLA and LX majors. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): LAS100. Fall Only.

LAS150
Legal Research and Writing
The course is designed to provide the students with a working familiarity with the major legal resources. The students will receive practical experience using both primary and secondary sources and will develop the capacity to research legal issues rapidly and accurately. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication through the written word. The ability to research and communicate information will be incorporated into the correct writing of letters, legal memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ENL111 and LAS100. Spring Only.

LAS160
Civil Practice and Procedures
This course provides the opportunity for paralegal students to study the rules of procedure that are followed in a civil suit, from the commencement of the action through the trial and the appeal. The student will learn to research a point of law and will learn the process of drafting pleading, interrogatories, depositions, and motions. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the paralegal in this process, with special emphasis on the discovery process. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100. Corequisite(s): LAS150. Spring Only.

LAS170
Real Property Law
This course provides the student with the basic concepts of the law of real property and a working knowledge of the procedures and documents involved in real estate transactions. Rules affecting ownership and transferability of real estate will be covered. The paralegal's duties, from accumulating data and information needed to complete the various instruments of conveyance, such as deeds or mortgages, to monitoring mortgage foreclosures, real estate closings, examining title reports, preparing and plotting legal descriptions of land, and preparing leases will be discussed. Real Estate Law is not an approved substitution for this course. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100. Corequisite(s): LAS150. Spring Only.

LAS210
Civil Litigation
The student is introduced to civil litigation, the process whereby one person sues another in a court of law to enforce a right or to seek a remedy. The paralegal's role in gathering and organizing factual information will be discussed, with emphasis placed on the discovery process. Documents that paralegals would be expected to draft will be reviewed. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 and LAS150 and LAS160. Fall Only.

LAS220
Family Law
This course examines the basic principles of family law and practice. It includes a study of antenuptial agreements, marriage, adoption, annulment, dissolution of marriage and legal separation, alimony, property settlement, child custody and support, and paternity actions. The students will review statutes and case law governing these proceedings as well as various legal documents used in family law matters, such as preparing typical pleadings, affidavits, and separation agreements. The practical aspects of the paralegal role in the field of family law will be emphasized. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 and LAS150. Fall Only.

LAS230
Estate and Trust Administration
The intent of the course is to provide the student with the general theory and procedures employed in the preparation and handling of wills, trusts, and estates. It will cover the responsibilities and duties in the field of estate administration that can be performed by a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney. Sample forms for the preparation of wills, the creation of trusts, and the administration of a decedent's estate, as well as tax forms, will be reviewed. Restricted to LA and BLA programs. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 and LAS150. Fall Only.

LAS240
The American Civil War: Law, Politics and Technology
This course will examine legal, political, and technological implications of the American Civil War era, including factors leading to the war and the Reconstruction period. Students will examine issues raised by secession, states rights, the suspension of habeas corpus, slavery and emancipation, the Dred Scott decision and later civil rights cases, and military rule of the occupied South during and after the war. Students will analyze the contributions of various minority group members and the interactions of these groups with the larger society. The course will also examine the impact of technology on the war and its aftermath, including advances in weaponry, battle tactics, medicine, photography, journalism, transportation, surveillance, and means of communication. The relevancy of the Civil War to modern society will be addressed. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) (Cultural Diversity, Science, Technology and Society) As needed.

LAS245
Legal Aspects of Health Information
Provides a study of basic concepts and principles of law, including legal analysis and terminology, found in the healthcare field and health information sector. The course will focus upon various legal issues regarding health information, including confidentiality, release of health information, consent forms, liability of health care providers, concepts and methods of risk management in the healthcare field, and other current medical/legal issues. (Formerly LAS120) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 or HIT110. Spring Only.

LAS250
Criminal Law and Procedures
This course will familiarize the student with the various facets of criminal law. Crimes against the person and property will be studied. Procedures necessary from arrest through trial, sentencing, and punishment will be examined. The paralegal's role in these procedures and in the preparation of documents will be emphasized. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 and LAS150. Spring Only.

LAS260
Bankruptcy
The course covers the Federal Bankruptcy Code and the laws regulating bankruptcy and creditors' rights. Students will examine the various types of petitions that can be filed by individuals and business entities. Procedures for the paralegal to follow in preparing and filing these petitions will be reviewed. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 and LAS150. Spring Only.

LAS270
Administrative Law
Students will learn to assist attorneys in the public sector of law. Human relations, social security, unemployment, occupational safety, workman's compensation, minority and handicapped rights, and environmental protection are some of the topics that will be covered. The role of the paralegal in dealing with the client and the local, state, and/or federal agencies involved will be emphasized. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 and LAS150. Spring Only.

LAS280
Legal Assistant Internship
The student will be placed for a semester in a paralegal position with a private law firm, government agency, court office, corporation, insurance company, bank, real estate company, community service agency, health care facility, or other appropriate office. Here he/she will learn the practical daily operation of such an office. Supervised by a licensed, practicing attorney, the student will be both an observer and a participant in the operation of the assigned office. The student receives no salary or remuneration for his/her services. Because this is a capstone course, it will normally be scheduled as one of the final courses in the degree program. 4 Credits (0 Lecture - 20 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 and LAS110 and LAS150 and LAS160 and LAS170 and LAS210 and LAS220 and LAS230.

LAS300
Interviewing, Counseling, Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
This course is designed to familiarize the student with various facets of interviewing and attorney counseling. It will also focus upon negotiation strategies and tactics used by attorneys. The course will place an emphasis on various forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as mediation, ADR's practical aspects, and the paralegal's role in ADR. The student will develop certain skills for interviewing witnesses and parties to litigation, and develop certain skills in mediation techniques. The course will review the paralegal's role in assisting attorney counseling and effective negotiation. Restricted to LA and BLA programs. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

LAS310
Risk Management and Insurance
This course is designed to enable students to identify and analyze risk and to introduce techniques for managing risk, such as insurance products and alternative tools. Techniques such as loss control, risk retention and risk transfer are presented within the business and healthcare law contexts. The course emphasizes preventative measures (risk management) and remedial measures (insurance and its alternative) essential to understanding risk and, ideally, minimizing social and economic costs resulting from loss. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

LAS320
International Law
An introduction to the general principles and theories of the law of nations. Emphasis will be on nations as participants in the decision making process and how this process impacts upon private individuals. Students will study the processes of how the United States enters into international agreements and will explore the role and impact of international agreements in our domestic law and business practices. Student must have completed 60 credits or have permission of instructor to schedule this course. (Formerly LAS 470) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) (Cultural Diversity) As needed.

LAS360
Advanced Legal Writing and Analysis
This course will enable the skilled legal researcher to improve his/her methods of legal research and legal writing. The student will develop his/her capacity to research more intricate issues of law in a more accurate and precise method. The course will place an emphasis on the student's ability to prepare complex legal documents such as the appellate brief. Restricted to LA and BLA programs. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) (Writing Enriched) Spring Only.

LAS371
Legal Ethics
This course will explore the many ethical and malpractice pitfalls that paralegals and lawyers face in providing legal services. The course will involve discussion of the ABA and Pennsylvania guidelines and appellate court decisions involving substantive ethical issues. Emphasis will be on how to identify ethical issues and, once identified, on how to proceed. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Spring Only.

LAS400
Constitutional Law
A survey of the major provisions of the U.S. Constitution and the amendments that have been adopted. Through case studies, the student will analyze the role of the courts in interpreting the constitution. The student will explore the meaning of federalism, how the doctrine of separation of powers functions, the growth and development of the national powers of the federal government, and the role of the courts in serving as the guardian of the constitutional rights and liberties of the individual citizen. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

LAS410
Law Office Administration and Management
This course is designed to provide a general perspective of law office administration and management by identifying the responsibilities of various positions and roles in the typical law office setting. The course will assist the student to master various skills in administrative areas such as personnel organization, telecommunications, financial tasks and public contact. The course will place a special emphasis on docket control systems and client confidences. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

LAS431
Consumer Protection Law
Explores federal state statutes, regulations, and case decisions designed to protect the interests of consumers. Laws addressed include the Federal Trade Commission Act and regulations, Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act, Consumer Credit Protection Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, automobile lemon law, and laws governing telemarketing, product warranties, false-misleading advertising, deceptive trade practices, and common law deceit. (Formerly LAS430) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 or ENL111. Fall Only.

LAS460
UCC and Intellectual Property Law
Uniform Commercial Code will introduce students to the framework and coverage of the Code, with particular emphasis on Articles 2 (Sale of Goods), 3 (Negotiable instruments), and 9 (Secured Transactions). Intellectual property introduces the basic legal principles applicable to federal trademark, copyright, and patent protection, emphasizing the rights granted by each, procedures for procurement, and protection through litigation. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS100 or MGT231 or MGT301. Spring Only.

LAS495
Senior Project: Legal Assistant Studies
This is the capstone course to be taken by all legal assistant students. The course will generally be taken during the final semester of study. This course will fulfill the senior project criteria. The student will apply the knowledge and competencies gained in previous coursework to an approved major professional endeavor of his or her choosing. By midterm of the semester prior to a student's enrolling in the course, the student will submit a detailed outline to a committee of legal assistant faculty for review and approval. Upon approval of the project, a legal assistant faculty member will be assigned to guide the student through the completion of the project. Successful completion of the project will consist of a written report with all necessary documentation and supporting materials and an oral presentation in a colloquium environment to peers, faculty and members of the College community. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): LAS300 and LAS360 and LAS371 and LAS400 or LAS300 and LAS360 and LAS371 and LAS410. Spring Only.