BTP - Paralegal Studies

3 credits; 3 hours
This course introduces the student to the legal system of the
United States and to the role of the paralegal in it. Topics include
the classifications and sources of law, the court system, the activities
of the paralegal, and the legal and ethical restrictions on the
paralegal’s work. The ways in which computers have transformed
legal practice are explored throughout.
Prerequisite: CSE099; Pre- or Corequisite: ENC/ENG101

3 credits; 3 hours
This course concerns the paralegal’s work with government
agencies. It is especially concerned with those agencies, like U. S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services, which have a direct effect
on the lives of many individuals. Topics include the function and
status of agencies in contemporary American society, the sorts of
benefits to which various groups are entitled, and procedures
for obtaining these benefits and challenging their denial or termination.
Students learn how to prepare relevant documents.
Instruction in the related uses of computers is an integral part of
this course.
Prerequisite: BTP101; Pre- or Corequisite: One of the following
courses: HUC101 or HUC104 or HUC108

3 credits; 3 hours
This course deals mainly with the transfer of property after death
and with the role and procedures of the Surrogate’s Court.
Students learn about the legal implications of dying with and
without a will and the functions of trusts. They also learn how to
assist in the preparation of the relevant legal documents, such as
wills, trust instruments, and estate tax returns. Instruction in the
related uses of computers is an integral part of this course.
Prerequisite: MAT095, BTP101

3 credits; 3 hours
The central concern of this course is the law governing marriage
and its termination. Topics include creation of a valid marriage,
prenuptial agreements, divorce, custody of children, and adoption,
among others. The role of the Family Court and its procedures
are discussed, and students learn how to prepare relevant
legal documents. Special problems posed by family-type arrangements
outside marriage are also addressed. Instruction in the
related uses of computers is an integral part of this course.
Prerequisite: BTP101

3 credits; 3 hours
In this course, students learn how to find the answers to a broad
range of law-related questions. They develop skills using both the
resources of the law library and computerized research tools such
as Lexis/Nexis. Much attention is also given to essential writing
skills and the preparation of legal memoranda and documents.
Prerequisite: BTP101

3 credits; 3 hours
This course is an intensive and thorough analysis of what happens
in a civil lawsuit, from the decision to sue to the appeal and
enforcement of judgment. Students learn how to prepare relevant
legal documents and to assist attorneys in a variety of tasks at
each stage of the proceedings. Instruction in the related uses of
computers is an integral part of this course.
Prerequisite: BTP101

3 credits; 3 hours
This course is concerned with real estate sales, leases, and mortgages.
By acquiring an essential knowledge of real estate law and
practical skills such as document preparation, students learn how
to participate reliably in a variety of real estate transactions.
Instruction in the related uses of computers is an integral part of
this course.
Prerequisite: MAT095, BTP10

3 credits; 3 hours
This course examines the different types of business entities from
a legal perspective. Topics include sole proprietorships, corporations,
partnerships, and newer types of business entities such as
limited liability companies. The advantages and disadvantages of
each entity type are discussed. Students learn how to prepare
relevant legal documents and to make appropriate use of computers
in this area of the law.
Prerequisite: BTP101

3 credits; 3 hours
This course is concerned with the practical aspects of criminal
law and procedure as they pertain to the work of the paralegal.
The first part of the course covers the nature of criminal liability,
the elements of various crimes, and defenses to criminal accusations.
The second part covers criminal procedure, from search
and seizure through trial, sentencing, and appeal. Constitutional
issues relating to search and seizure, self-incrimination, and other
matters are explored in depth. Students learn how to prepare
relevant documents and make appropriate use of computers in
this area of the law.
Prerequisite: BTP101

3 credits; 4 hours (3 lecture, 1 lab)
This course focuses on those computer applications which are of
central importance for paralegals. Students receive hands-on
training using word-processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation,
and legal-specific software. Students also learn how to conduct
computer-assisted legal research.
Prerequisite: MAT095, BTP101

3 credits; 3 hours
This course concerns the laws and procedures pertaining to
immigration, naturalization, and related matters. Topics include
legal entry into and residence in the United States, qualifying for
citizenship, and deportation. Students learn how to obtain relevant
information and complete forms using both the resources of
the law library and the Internet.
Prerequisite: BTP101

3 credits; 3 hours
This course covers the substantive and procedural aspects of
bankruptcy law as set forth by the federal Bankruptcy Code.
Topics include the main types of bankruptcy proceedings, eligibility
for each type, and the consequences of filing for bankruptcy.
Students learn how to prepare relevant legal documents and
to make appropriate use of computers in this area of the law.
Prerequisite: BTP101