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Aug 06, 2026
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LEGS 101 - Introduction to Legal Studies
PREREQUISITES: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in: ENGL 093 - Introduction to College Writing and ENGL 083 - Reading Strategies for College Or ENGL 095 - Integrated Reading and Writing or ENGL 075 - Co-Requisite Integrated Reading
PROGRAM: Legal Studies
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 3
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS MIN: 48
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall 2025
This course provides a big-picture look at how the American legal system works and why law matters in everyday life. Students will explore three broad areas: how the legal system is organized, how to research and analyze the law, and the fundamentals of major legal fields such as constitutional rights, contracts, torts, property, and criminal law. The course builds a strong foundation for advanced legal studies while strengthening skills in critical thinking, research, and professional communication that are valuable in many careers.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
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Explain the purposes and functions of law in society and distinguish civil from criminal law.
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Describe the structure and jurisdiction of federal, state, and local courts, including trial, appellate, and specialty courts.
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Identify key legal professionals and summarize their roles.
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Evaluate primary and secondary legal sources located using print and electronic research tools (e.g., Lexis).
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Apply legal reasoning (IRAC or similar) to analyze fact patterns and compose clear, well-cited written work.
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Demonstrate correct use of legal citation formats, including pinpoint and parallel citations.
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Summarize foundational principles of a variety of legal fields: constitutional law & civil rights, torts, family law, estate planning, contracts, property, business law, criminal & juvenile law.
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Compare civil and criminal procedure, including pre-trial, trial, and appeal stages, and describe the rules of evidence.
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Identify ethical issues (confidentiality, conflicts of interest, unauthorized practice) and propose appropriate professional responses.
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Analyze how constitutional amendments and Supreme Court decisions shape individual rights and public policy.
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Evaluate alternative dispute resolution methods and assess their advantages and limitations compared with litigation.
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Reflect on legal career pathways-including paralegal work-and develop an informed plan for professional growth.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -
- Foundations of Law and Legal Systems
- Courts and Judicial Structure
- Legal Professionals and Career Pathways
- Substantive Areas of Law
- Legal Research, Writing, and Citation
- Litigation and Legal Process
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Law, Society, and Current Issues
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)
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