PLG 105: Civil Procedure

Course Description

This course will focus on providing students with an overview of the litigation process. Students will acquire a basic understanding of legal principles with a focus on practical legal skills, including the preparation of legal documents and working with both attorneys and clients throughout the legal process. Students will become familiar with the Practice Book and have a working knowledge of various legal forms. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • None

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Have a basic knowledge of the judicial process and legal terms;
  2. Be able to prepare legal documents from the beginning of a lawsuit through its conclusion;
  3. Articulate the role of a paraprofessional in various settings; and
  4. Demonstrate practical applications required of paralegals, demonstrate basic skills of management; demonstrate the ability to work in teams.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1-7)

35%

Midterm Exam (Week 4)

15%

Assignments (Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)

25%

Final Exam (Week 8)

25%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • McCord, James (2017). The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach - with Workbook. 6th ed. Delmar Learning. ISBN-13: 9781285857152

Additional Resources

Course Schedule

WeekSLOsReadings and ExercisesAssignment(s)

1

1,2, 3

Topic: Introduction to Litigation and the Interview

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit written assignment

2

2, 4

Topic: Drafting the Complaint

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 5 & 6
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit written assignment

3

1, 3, 4

Topic: Defending a Lawsuit

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 7
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Review judicial branch website regarding motions/short calendar
  • Submit written assignment

4

Midterm Exam
Chapters 1 through 7
SLOs 1, 2, 3, and 4

5

1, 2, 4

Topic: Discovery

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 8, pg. 262-329
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Review discovery interrogatory forms on judicial branch website
  • Submit written assignment

6

2, 4

Topic: Document Production

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 8, pg. 329-351
    • Review Chapter 9
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Review discovery request for production forms on judicial branch website
  • Submit written assignment

7

1, 2, 3, 4

Topic: ADR & Trial Prep

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 10 & 11
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit written assignment

8

Final Exam
Chapters 1 through 11
SLOs 1, 2, 3, and 4

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.