Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to explain the major substantive and procedural aspects of law. This course provides an overview of the legal system and knowledge of specific legal topics, including torts, criminal law, contracts, family law, business law, real estate and probate. This course is a requirement for applying to the paralegal program and for completion of the legal nurse consultant program. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain the structure of the federal, Kansas and Missouri courts systems.
2. Identify the jurisdictional requirements and types of cases handled by the federal and Kansas court systems.
3. Explain how judges are selected.
4. Explain the appellate process of the federal and Kansas court systems.
5. Explain the lawyer’s function in the legal system and the costs of legal representation.
6. Interpret the U.S. Constitution and identify functions and interrelationship of the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.
7. Locate and analyze statutory and case law.
8. Explain the federal and Kansas procedures of civil litigation.
9. Define and explain the four stages of civil litigation: pleadings, discovery, trial and appeal.
10. Identify and explain the functions of government agencies.
11. Identify and explain the steps in the administrative law process.
12. Explain the law of torts, including negligence, intentional torts and strict liability.
13. Identify and explain the elements of crimes.
14. Locate and explain Kansas criminal statutes.
15. Define and explain the stages of criminal procedure.
16. Identify and define the elements of valid, enforceable contracts.
17. Identify and explain remedies for breach of contract.
18. Idenfity and distinguish the requirements for a ceremonial marriage and a common law marriage.
19. Locate and explain the significant legal principles in Kansas concerning marriage, divorce and adoption.
20. Explain the significant legal principles concerning real estate law.
21. Explain the significant legal principles concerning wills and probate law.
22. Explain the significant legal principles concerning business and employment law.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Court System
   A. Review the structure of federal and state courts.
   B. Identify jurisdictional requirements.
   C. Examine subject matter jurisdiction.
   D. Explain how judges are selected.
   E. Examine the appellate process.
   F. Identify the lawyer’s role in the legal system.
   G. Evaluate the costs of legal representation.

II. The Federal Government
   A. Interpret the U.S. Constitution.
   B. Identify functions and interrelationship of the legislative,
judicial and executive branches of government.
   C. Identify and explain the functions of government agencies.
   D. Identify and explain the steps in the administration law process.

III. The Court Process
   A. Locate and analyze statutory and case law.
   B. Explain the federal and Kansas procedures of civil litigation.
   C. Define and explain the four stages of civil litigation: pleadings,
discovery, trial and appeal.

IV. The Law of Torts
   A. Define and explain the elements of negligence.
   B. Define and explain the elements of intentional torts.
   C. Define and explain the elements of strict liability.
 
V. Criminal Law
   A. Identify and explain the elements of crimes.
   B. Locate and explain Kansas criminal statutes.
   C. Identify and explain the stages of criminal procedure.
   
VI. Contract Law
   A. Identify and define the elements of valid, enforceable contracts.
   B. Identify and explain situations involving breach of contract.
   C. Identify and explain remedies available for breach of contract.

VI. Family Law
   A. Identify and distinguish the requirements for a ceremonial marriage
and a common law marriage.
   B. Locate and explain significant legal principles in Kansas law
concerning marriage, divorce, and adoption.
   C. Define and distinguish between common law property and community
property theories.

VIII. Wills and Probate Law
   A. Identify the requirements for a formal will.
   B. Identify and explain the steps in the probate process.
   C. Explain the purpose of the health care directive.
   D. Explain the use of trust.

IX. Business and Employment Law
   A. Identify and compare the forms of business organization.
   B. Compare the roles of principle/agent and employer/employee.
   C. Define the obligations of an employer.
   D. Define the rights and obligations of an employee.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Minimum of 4 Tests     80% of grade   
Written Project        10% of grade   
Court Visit            10% of grade
                      100%

   Grade Criteria:
   90-100% = A
   80- 89% = B 
   70- 79% = C
   60- 69% = D
   Below 60% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.