LEGS 134 - Foundations of Civil Law
PREREQUISITES: LEGS 101 Introduction to Legal Studies
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 3
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS MIN: 48
This foundational course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles governing civil disputes and legal relationships under the common law, encompassing three core practice areas. Students will explore the essential concepts of civil liability, including the rules governing non-criminal injuries to person and property (Torts), the formation and enforcement of legally binding agreements (Contracts), and the complex framework of real and personal ownership rights (Property). Emphasis is placed on analyzing real-world legal scenarios and applying foundational common law and statutory rules used by legal professionals, providing students with the essential analytical framework required for advanced study in legal specialties.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be expected to:
1. Analyze the elements, defenses, and recoverable damages for common civil wrongs, including negligence and strict liability.
2. Explain the elements of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability causes of action.
3. Analyze the six essential elements required to form an enforceable contract.
4. Differentiate between the application of common law and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) in contract disputes involving the sale of goods.
5. Apply the rules governing performance and discharge to determine available legal and equitable remedies in contract disputes.
6. Contrast real property, tangible personal property, and intangible personal property.
7. Define the basic ownership rights associated with various types of property.
8. Differentiate among forms of concurrent ownership.
9. Explain the key characteristics of various freehold and leasehold estates in land.
10. Analyze transactional documents, such as deeds and mortgages, to verify the transfer of title and identify encumbrances on real property.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include - I. Foundations of Civil Liability (Torts)
• Elements and defenses of negligence.
• Elements and defenses of strict liability and product liability.
• Elements and defenses of intentional torts.
• Policy considerations that affect tort law.
• Pre-trial investigation techniques and resources.
II. Law of Agreements (Contracts)
• Elements of a Contract.
• Common Law versus UCC Article 2 (contracts for the sales of goods).
• Indiana Statute of Frauds.
• Performance, Discharge, and Assignments.
• Remedies (legal and equitable damages) and Warranties.
III. Real and Personal Property Rights
• Types of property, basic ownership rights, and ways to acquire or transfer ownership.
• Estates in land and concurrent ownership (tenancy in common, joint tenancy, tenancy by the entirety).
• Surveys, legal descriptions, deeds (warranty and quitclaim), and recording statutes.
• Encumbrances on title, title examination, and title insurance.
• Mortgages, liens, and UCC Article 9 security interests.
• Landlord-tenant law and leasehold estates.
• Personal property law concepts (bailments, lost property, and intellectual property).
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