Paralegal (PLG)

Introduction to basic legal concepts common to private and public law systems. General principles involved in tort, contract, law of association, property, family law, criminal law, and criminal procedure. Student will be¬come familiar with court procedures and organization.

Students are expected to master basic legal research and writing. Study will be directed at the law and the legal process, centering on an exploration of legal reasoning and legal methods. The functions of courts and legislation will be examined in the context of the development of legal rules in the common law and the interaction of case and statutory law. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PLG 101 recommended

Advanced work in legal research and writing. Emphasis is on how to use the reference tools fully, including computer based legal research. Writing assignments involve complex legal drafting and persuasive writing. Expected to be offered Fall semesters Distance Learning: Spring semesters

Provides an in depth look at a civil lawsuit from the aspect of both the injured party (“Plaintiff”) and the tortfeasor (“Defendant”). While a primary focus is Negligence and liability associated with negligent actions, the course also focuses on intentional acts such as defamation, fraud, battery, assault and invasion of privacy and strict liability associated with dangerous products. A goal of the course is to provide the student with the elements of each cause of action and/or defenses so that the student will be prepared to work hand in hand with a supervising attorney to draft the legal documents associated with a civil lawsuit. Affirmative defenses such as contributory negligence and comparative negligence are covered as well as an in depth look at Insurance Bad Faith Law. If a student intends on working with a Personal Injury Firm or an Insurance Defense Firm, the Course is essential.

Preparation of pleadings and other documents used in trials and appeals of civil actions. Students analyze types of litigation and draft types of motions, pleadings, and discovery documents associated with a civil lawsuit based upon common fact scenarios. Explains the role of legal assistants in investigating facts and preparing pertaining documents.

This introductory environmental law course will focus on the legal regulations of pollution and waste management. The course will cover a number of federal environmental statutes, including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Superfund law. In studying these statutes, also considered are a number of more general issues relating to environmental regulation, including the proper goals of environmental regulation; the roles of science and risk assessment; the valuation of environmental injuries and environmental benefits; and the choice of regulatory approach, ranging from command-and-control regulation to information disclosure requirements.

Legal aspects of business organizations: corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships and agency law relationships. Emphasis on drafting and maintaining various forms of business organizations.

Analysis of constitutional principles and doctrines, precedents and interpretations of courts in judicial review by studying leading cases in criminal and civil law.

Legal provisions and documents pertaining to marriage, separation, divorce, communal property, child custody, child support, adoption, and other domestic relations.

Personal and real property documents and pertaining law; mineral and energy resources, mortgages, zoning and covenants, titles, legal descriptions, and appraisals.

Principles, provisions, and documents pertaining to wills and trusts. Includes jurisdiction of probate courts, estate and inheritance taxation, and estate planning.

This course is designed to help students in the helping professions to understand the underlying assumptions of law and the legal system. The material will cover four primary areas: overview of the legal system and basic legal/ethical concerns, malpractice, domestic and family law, and civil commitment.

Expected to be offered: Sufficient Demand

Expected to be offered: Fall and Spring Semesters

Internships designed to provide practical experience in legal settings.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the use of methods and techniques to settle disputes without court adjudication (trials). This course will discuss various types of ADR with an emphasis on Negotiation and Mediation. Students will have the opportunity to engage in simulated negotiations and mediations.

Introduces paralegal or Govenment students to the processes of administrative agency rule making and adjudication. Examination of agency decision-making procedures in light of relevant statutes. Analysis of agency powers to issue regulations, penalize violators, and implement legislative goals. Discussion of constitutional and statutory limitations on agency discretion and conduct and of courts' power to review agency decisions. Federal agencies emphasized.

Examines basic concepts in the debtor-creditor relationship including the rights and interests of both parties in a transaction. Principles of bankruptcy stressed.

Legal Studies majors conduct research in approved legal substantive topics and produce an article-length study under the direction of faculty. Students are expected to be engaged in other student’s research in the form of critique and argument.

Basic concepts of the law of landlord-tenant relations. Bailment, breach of contract, eviction proceedings tenant rights and duties, and landlord rights and oligations from a case approach. Students will learn about lease forms and drafting of simple leases, commercial leasing concepts and current Montana law.

Discussion, in a problem-oriented format, of the Rules of Evidence applicable to litigaiton, appellate procedures and general civil procedures. Exploration of remedies available to injured party in a contract, tort, or equity action.

Training select paralegal students in advanced legal research techniques, with emphasis upon computerized research systems.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor