Paralegal (PRL)

Provides an overview of the American legal system and the practice of law. Introduces students to legal processes, court systems, courses of law, basic legal research methods, and to the nature of ethics and regulations of legal professions. Introduces the substantive law and skill areas students will encounter in subsequent legal courses. Examines the relationship between different kinds of legal systems and between social sciences and law. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

Focuses on using a law library and internet-based legal resources to solve legal problems including research strategies, analysis and application of law, and communication of research results orally and in written legal memoranda. Presents legal document preparation software, and the ethical duty of honesty and candor. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Provides instruction in internet-based legal resources and explores multiple methods to address complex legal research problems. Explores utilizing research results in appellate briefs and other advocacy legal documents. Instructs students in the use of legal document preparation software and the ethical duty of honesty and candor. Provides instruction on navigating Iowa's judicial website including the electronic filing system (EDMS). Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take PRL-116 or PRL-110.

Presents an overview of the fact-gathering process for paralegals including principles and techniques of investigation, sources of public and private information, methods for preserving information, and analyzing the probativeness, sufficiency and admissibility of facts for trial. Explores the Rules of Evidence and their application to the investigation process. Teaches the ethical duty of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege as it relates to investigations. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Provides instruction on the principles of tort law. Explores differences between intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. Emphasizes the use and interpretation of primary and secondary sources of law to understand similarities and differences of torts. Explores and discusses the common use of the contingency fee agreement in tort law. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Provides instruction in the law of legal entities used in conducting business. Explores the similarities and differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and other types of business organizations. Examines the process necessary for the creation and existence of various business organizations. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies the law of real property. Examines common types of real estate transactions and conveyances. Explores the history of the real property system used in the United States. Offers available methods to finance real estate transactions. Explores title examination and title insurance. Teaches the ethical duty of competence. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Introduces the laws of marriage and divorce. Explores the historical context of divorce in the United States. Addresses the divorce process including child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and jurisdiction. Explores paternity, adoption, and juvenile matters, and the ethical duty of conflict of interest. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Provides instruction in the methods available for lifetime and testamentary estate planning. Provides instruction in the estate probate process. Examines the role of the Probate Court in the administration of estates. Examines the tax benefits and consequences associated with estate planning. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Explores concepts of administration law and procedure at the federal and state levels. Students will learn the paralegal's role in the administrative process. Topics include agency discretion, delegation, agency rule making, agency investigations, formal adjudications and agency accountability. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Teaches the principles of contract law. Explores the required elements necessary for the creation of enforceable contracts and remedies available for breach of contract. Integrates the preparation and interpretation of contracts. Examines provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code relevant to contract law. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Teaches the rules, processes and paralegal skills for preparing cases for civil trials, including the preparation of complaints, discovery and motions. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Studies the legal aspects of the employer-employee relationship. Examines federal labor laws, civil rights laws, privacy and harassment laws, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. Examines human resource management issues related to employment. Addresses the role of various administrative agencies in their regulation of employment. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Introduces the basic principles of criminal law and criminal procedure. Examines common law and statutory law. Covers the Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure and examines differences between Iowa and other jurisdictions. Identifies the processes required to prepare a criminal case for trial. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Introduces the underlying political structure of the American judiciary. Explores the political and legal foundations for civil rights and civil liberties. Develops an appreciation for interpreting and applying the Constitution as an expression of our deepest democratic values. Discusses the development of civil rights and liberties under the Bill of Rights, the Fourteenth Amendment, and legislative enactments. Examines the political and legal foundations of privacy and equality in the American political system. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project contract. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B; Comments: Requires approval of supervising professor and dean

Provides readings, papers and basic research or other projects under the individual guidance of a staff member. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Provides an opportunity to use and refine paralegal skills in a work setting with the guidance of legal professionals. Integrates monthly seminars throughout the internship semester to share and gain perspective on experiences. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take PRL-101.