Course Outline for Paralegal Studies 32
Litigation and Civil Procedure

Effective: Fall 2019
SLO Rev: 09/18/2018
Catalog Description:

PLGL 32 - Litigation and Civil Procedure

3.00 Units

This course provides an introduction to the litigation process and the role of the paralegal. It will include the process and procedures related to litigation, including the specific duties of a paralegal in the pretrial and trial process.
Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50.
1402.00 - Paralegal*
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. describe the basic rules of litigation and the elements of discovery;
  2. analyze how cases are planned and how strategies are developed;
  3. apply the tenets of civil litigation to various fact patterns;
  4. distinguish the differences between civil litigation and other types of litigation;
  5. describe how the court system is structured;
  6. outline the role of the paralegal in the litigation process;
  7. distinguish the roles of the paralegal and attorney in the litigation process;
  8. examine the litigation process from client meeting to appeal;
  9. describe key elements of various civil pleadings, including complaints, answers, and motions;
  10. describe and apply the basic rules of trial procedure and evidence.
Course Content:
  1. Gain a thorough understanding of the foundations and forms of general litigation
  2. Gain a thorough understanding of the litigation process and the specific role of the paralegal
  3. Define and understand court legal terms and processes, including:  
    1. Court jurisdiction   
    2. Federal judicial system 
    3. State judicial system
  4. Analysis of venue in both federal and state jurisdictions
  5. The role and responsbilities of paralegals in litigation, including:         
    1. Billing
    2. Timekeeping 
    3. Other law office procedures
  6. Describe and prepare various litigation documents, including: 
    1. Pleadings
    2. Incorporation documents
    3. Real estate closing documents
  7. The rules and ramifications of legal ethics, including:
    1. Conflicts of interest
    2. Unauthorized practice of law
    3. Confidentiality
  8. Application of legal analysis to factual situations
  9. Analysis of “binding” authority and “persuasive” authority
  10. Analysis of basic rules of evidence
  11. The importance of the discovery process
  12. The role of the appellate courts, including:
    1. Appropriate appellate process
    2. Standards for review by appellate courts 
  13. The importance and implication of class action lawsuits, including:
    1. Requirements for certification 
    2. Analysis of class action facts in various hypothetical situations
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Case Study
  3. Guest speakers
  4. Oral and Written Analysis
  5. Written assignments
  6. Handouts and rule interpretations.
  7. Problem Solving
  8. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Write a pleading document and support your position with facts, legal analysis and evidence.
  2. Summarize and critically analyze an important court decision or piece of legislation showing its relationship to litigation.
  3. Prepare interrogatories, requests for documentation, and other forms of discovery used during the litigation process.
  4. Work in a group to research key facets a judicial opinion or new piece of legislation and present research findings to the class.
  1. Quizzes
  2. Midterm Examination
  3. Written assignments
  4. Oral Presentation
  5. Class Participation
  6. Attendance
  7. Final Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Develop a basic understanding of the litigation process-it's origins, structure and institutions-to enable students to work in the legal field as a paralegal.
  2. Strengthen students' ability to analyze facts and law and persuasively support a pleading or discovery document with evidence/argumentation.
  3. Understand various discovery mechanisms and their appropriate usage, and apply the rules regarding admissibility of information obtained through the discovery process.
  4. Research legal issues in any jurisdiction and cite appropriate authorities and legal sources.
  5. Describe key elements of various civil pleadings, i.e. complaints, answers, and motions.
  6. Describe basic rules of trial procedure and basic rules of evidence in relation to the litigation process.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Park, Roger C. and McFarland, Douglas D. (2012). Computer-Aided Exercises in Civil Procedure (Seventh). CALI eLangdell Press .
  2. Levin, Hillel Y. (2011). Civil Procedure: Pleading CALI eLangdell Press.
  3. Maerowitz, M.,A. (2017). Fundamentals of California Litigation for Paralegals (6th). Wolters Kluwer Law & Business.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
This course provides an introduction to the litigation process and the role of the paralegal. It will include the process and procedures related to litigation, including the specific duties of a paralegal in the pretrial and trial process.
Strongly Recommended: ADMJ 50.