PLA 1003 INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGALISM 3 credits

Prerequisite: (ENC 0020 and REA 0002) or EAP 1695 or a satisfactory score on the SPC Writing and Reading placement tests. This course is designed to provide a general perspective of the legal system and a specific knowledge of the present and potential role of the legal paraprofessional within that system. Students will be exposed to the operations and structure of the court system, administrative agencies, private law firms and public sector law offices. Students will examine legal ethics in evaluating what tasks, skills and roles are now and may in the future be fulfilled by the legal paraprofessional in each legal area. Students will be introduced to paralegal skills such as interviewing, investigating, legal writing and research. Opportunities will be available for students to begin voluntary service with law-related agencies or to add to their occupational skills. 47 contact hours.