Paralegal (PLEG)
PLEG-100 Introduction to Law
3 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
This course is an introduction to the foundation of the United States government and the evolution of constitutional principles. It will delve into American and Idaho legal institutions and processes. It examines the sources of law, the relationships between the federal and state court systems, legal reasoning, ethical standards, and the role of the paralegal.
PLEG-102 Legal Terminology
3 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
This course introduces the spelling, pronunciation, definition, and usage of basic legal terms. The course covers general law terms as well as specialized legal terminology. Topics include word origins, word building, abbreviations and symbols, correct spelling, pronunciation, and meanings of terminology related to the legal system: Contracts, Family Law, Real Estate, Litigation, Wills/Probate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Law. Once the understanding of terms are established, the course will explore how to apply these terms in practical context within the legal field.
PLEG-112 Fundamentals of Legal Support
3 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
This course introduces students to the essential skills and tools required to excel as a legal support professional. Students will learn how to create and manage legal templates, navigate iCourts systems, including e-Filing processes, and effectively organize and maintain attorney calendars and case management files. The course emphasizes practical knowledge for assisting attorneys in preparing for court, managing client communications, and maintaining efficient workflows. By the end of the course, students will possess a strong foundation in legal support tasks, setting the stage for success in law offices and legal departments.
PLEG-120 Legal Ethics and Prof Responsibilities
3 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
PLEG-204 Legal Research and Writing I
3 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Fall Only, All Years
This course is an introduction to legal resource materials and methodology. Research skills are developed through law library research and drafting assignments. Emphasis is placed on the use of the legal database and on effective communication of research results through the drafting and preparation of legal documents and instruments.
PLEG-214 Legal Research and Writing II
3 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course is a continuation of PLEG-204 with emphasis on the further development of research techniques. Discussion topics include administrative and executive agency research, legislative research, non-legal reference materials, and loose-leaf services. Advanced processes in drafting and preparation of legal documents and instruments are emphasized.
Prerequisites: PLEG-204
PLEG-231 Legal Evid: Prin Types Admis Legal Sys
1 Credit
Lab: 1 hour per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course will examine specific legal issues pertaining to the laws of evidence. Areas of study include the functions of the judge and jury, the principles of standard and burden of proof in civil and criminal cases, the admissibility of evidence, cross examination and re-examination, trial procedures, hearsay evidence, competence and compellability of witness, character evidence and corroborating evidence.
Prerequisites: PLEG-100 and PLEG-102 and PLEG-204, PLEG-102, PLEG-204
PLEG-250 Family Law
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course is a study of Idaho laws and procedures. Discussion topics include marriage and dissolution of marriage; child custody, visitation, and support; adoptions; domestic violence; and property rights.
Prerequisites: PLEG-115
PLEG-257 Civil Procedure Litigation I
3 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course is designed to teach students the steps necessary to institute and advance a civil lawsuit from the initial client interview through trial. Emphasis is placed on drafting documents instrumental in a civil lawsuit as well as understanding the process. Students will deepen their understanding by examining tort law in greater detail, providing a comprehensive view of the legal landscape.
PLEG-258 Civil Law and Procedures II
3 Credits
Lecture: 2 hours per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course is a study of Idaho laws and procedures. It will focus primarly on Family Law, including Child Protection matters, Real Estate Law, Business Law, and General Law. The semester includes a study of Contract Law as found in the Common Law and Article Two of the Uniform Commercial Code.
PLEG-261 Criminal Law and Procedure
4 Credits
Lecture: 1 hour per week, Lab: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall Only, All Years
This course is an exploration of the criminal justice system including the application of Idaho laws. Discussion topics include a study of the definition of a crime, institution of criminal action, defenses to criminal accusation, the court process, negotiated and formal pleadings, constitutional safeguards, and sentencing and probation.
Prerequisites: PLEG-102
PLEG-290 Paralegal Internship I
3 Credits
Internship: 9 hours per week
Offering: Fall, Spring, and Summer, All Years
This course provides a practical application of paralegal skills in a law office or law-related office. There are approximately nine hours per week of supervised work in the office to add breadth and depth to the student's paralegal experiences.
Prerequisites: PLEG-105, PLEG-110, PLEG-115, PLEG-210