Legal Studies, AS

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Curriculum

60 semester hours of credit required for degree

This ABA-approved legal program focuses on legal research and writing, the mechanics of the civil litigation process and various specialized areas such as probate, litigation, real estate, criminal law, and technology. The program provides intensive specialty skills and broad liberal arts education for students who enter the legal profession. Students completing this program are awarded both an associate of science degree and an ABA-approved legal certificate of completion. Many associate students continue in the bachelor program at the Legal Education Institute. Paralegals do not exercise independent legal judgment and do not render legal advice or opinions, set fees, accept cases, or appear in court. They work under the supervision and direction of attorneys. See also Legal Education Institute (LEI) information.

Curriculum

See Course Descriptions for required prerequisites and corequisites

Basic Studies (9 Credits)

ENGL 101 - Reading, Thinking and Writing 3 Credit(s)
ENGL 102 - Literature and Critical Writing (W) 3 Credit(s)
SOC 105 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit(s)

General Education (9 Credits)

See General Education

PHIL 110 - Critical Thinking 3 Credit(s)
Science/mathematics area courses 6 Credit(s)

Program Core (24 Credits)

POLS 101 - American Government and Politics 3 Credit(s)
LEID 101 - Introduction to Law 3 Credit(s)
LEID 102 - Legal Research and Writing I (W) 3 Credit(s)
LEID 104 - Legal Research and Writing II (W) 3 Credit(s)
LEID 121 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 Credit(s)
LEID 205 - Civil Practice (W) 3 Credit(s)
LEID 212 - Ethics and the Law (W) 3 Credit(s)
LEID 238 - Computer Technology and the Law 3 Credit(s)

Electives (18 Credits)

LEI electives 18 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 60

Note: Students must take at least ten semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom instruction.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later. Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission. Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.