2004-2005 COLLEGE CATALOG - Luzerne County Community ...

LEGAL ASSISTING (PARALEGAL)
LAP 100-Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 Sem.-Hrs.
This course is designed to present the basic knowledge needed to perform the
work of a paralegal. An overview of the paralegal profession is presented with a
basic legal vocabulary utilized. The basic skills of fact investigation, legal research
and analysis combined with legal ethics are examined in detail.
LAP 101-Legal Research 3 Sem.-Hrs.
The various legal sources and their uses are examined. Hands-on experience as
a practical approach to the use of primary and secondary sources will be offered.
Various methods of research will be considered. (Paralegals only)
Prerequisites: BUS 261 may be taken concurrently, LAP 100.
LAP 102-Legal Writing 3 Sem.-Hrs.
A detailed introduction to legal writing with special emphasis on style and form.
Students will be offered guidance to the preparation of memoranda and briefs with
concentration on accuracy, brevity and clarity. (Paralegals only)
Prerequisites: BUS 261 may be taken concurrently, BUS 262, LAP 101.
LAP 201-Tort and Criminal Law 3 Sem.-Hrs.
A basic knowledge of the law of torts with related skills required to be an effective
paralegal assistant in the practice will be the main theme of the course. Criminal
law is also considered by a survey of the nature, purposes and doctrine of modern
law. (Fall only/Paralegals only)
Prerequisites: BUS 261, 262, LAP 101, LAP 102.
LAP 202-Estate Law 3 Sem.-Hrs.
The various duties of lawyers and their representatives of an estate will be considered
in detail. The analysis of the administration of an estate will include the
Pennsylvania Probate practice including grants of letters, probate of will, duties
following grants of letters, family exemptions, election against the will, and the
administration of real estate. (Spring only/Paralegals only)
Prerequisites: BUS 261, 262; LAP 201, LAP 101, LAP 102.
LAP 203-Corporate Law 3 Sem.-Hrs.
The incorporation process undertaken by lawyers and legal assistants including
the laws of incorporation, the qualifications of foreign jurisdictions,
amendments to by-laws, close corporations, shareholders meetings, employment
agreements and corporate distributions are examined in detail. (Spring
only/Paralegals only)
Prerequisites: BUS 261, 262, LAP 101, LAP 102.
LAP 204-Bankruptcy Law 3 Sem.-Hrs.
The background and objectives of current bankruptcy law with an understanding
of the Bankruptcy Code will be considered. The Code and Rules are analyzed
with emphasis on the practical aspects of filing and handling a bankruptcy case.
(Spring only/Paralegals only)
Prerequisites: BUS 261, 262, LAP 101, LAP 102.
LAP 205-Family Law 3 Sem.-Hrs.
An overview of the various objectives, classes and sources of family law. The
course analyzes family law including areas of antenuptial agreements, contract
cohabitation, common law marriages, annulment, divorce procedure and tax
proceedings. (Paralegals only/Fall only)
Prerequisites: BUS 261, 262, LAP 101, LAP 102.
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