Law, Criminal Justice and Paralegal Courses

Examines all three segments of criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections, including study of their evolution, structure, agencies, career opportunities and requirements, responsibilities, and ethics. Role of Constitution and state and federal laws, current problems of each.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 or ENG 101/TRS 099 placement

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate his/her attitudes and attributes in relation to criminal justice careers and choose an appropriate curricular emphasis.
2. Illustrate and describe the process of a criminal prosecution from occurrence of alleged offense to discharge.
3. Identify the major components of the criminal justice system and explain their interrelationships.
4. Identify and explain the “sources of law” and their interrelationships.
5. Identify various theories of crime causation and describe their effects on the criminal justice system.
6. Differentiate key terms and concepts in the criminal justice system.
7. Identify ethical issues that are present throughout the criminal justice system and describe acceptable responses to them.

This course will cover the development, role, responsibility, limitations and liabilities of the private security industry within society from its beginnings to its current state. Specific attention will be spent on describing the relationship between private security professionals, law enforcement and representatives of the legal system. Additional topics such as work place violence, organized retail theft, the conduct of internal and external investigations, interviewing techniques, current role and impact technology, and career opportunities will also be analyzed and evaluated.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the evolving impact of technological advances within various contexts, which could include the social, business, or private security spheres.
2. Compare the responsibilities of a private security professional with those of a law enforcement officer.
3. Explain how the work of private security professionals is compatible with the American criminal and civil legal system.
4. Analyze how private security teams, in partnership with law enforcement officials, address various issues related to organized retail
5. Explain how private security professionals can address the rise of violence in the workplace.
6. Explain how private security professionals deal with white collar crime.

A study of the Federal Constitution and Bill of Rights with regard to rights of individuals participating within American society, as interpreted by leading historical and contemporary U.S. Supreme Court and N.Y. Court of Appeals decisions. Emphasis will be on the history of the U.S. Constitution including review of the diverse and varied individuals and communities that impacted and were/are impacted by the Constitution and Bill of Rights, including the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 14th Amendments. Students will analyze majority opinions to identify and evaluate ideas and conclusions as well as dissenting opinions to identify and evaluate opposing arguments. Constitutional concepts will be applied to interactions between individuals and law enforcement/governmental authorities. Using the case law method students will develop conclusions as to the legitimacy of current and historical constitutional standards governing those interactions, acknowledging the constant presence of perspective and bias.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 OR ENG 101/TRS 099 placement

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe legal principles included in the Articles and Amendments of the United States Constitution.
2. Discuss the purpose and methods of continuously updating knowledge of changes in constitutional law.
3. Compare and contrast New York State specific constitutional rules and rights with federal rules.
4. Apply core areas of the law to law enforcement applications critical to law enforcement operations.
5. Illustrate and explain the appellate court process.
6. Utilize proper legal terminology.
7. Analyze cases using the case law method.

A study of the fundamental concepts of the substantive criminal law, including a short history of and purposes of the law, classification of offenses and sentences. A detailed study of mental culpability, defenses, such as infancy, insanity and the anticipatory crimes, offenses against the person; and those involving intrusion upon property, fraud, public administration, and public order. (Need not be taken in sequence.)

Prerequisites: CRJ 101, CRJ 103 or permission of instructor

Course Learning Outcomes
1. State the basic principles of criminal law and explain how those principles are reflected in New York’s Penal Law.
2. Identify the major categories of New York‘s Penal Law offenses.
3. Explain the basic elements and aggravating circumstances of each category of offense in New York's Penal law.
4. Apply with proficiency the New York State Penal Law statutes to hypothetical problems or other fact patterns.
5. Explain how statutory law is impacted by constitutional law or case law with specific examples in the New York State Penal Law.
6. Discuss the purpose and methods of continuously updating changes in statutory law and relevant case law.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in using the New York State Penal Law as a reference tool.

An activity designed to enhance both the theoretical and educational concepts learned in the practical work experience gained by working 80 hours during a semester in an approved criminal justice agency. This course is also designed to assist you in your career exploration. You are required to find the right agency in which to do your internship. To get the most out of this course you should be working in an agency and in a position that best represents your career goal. Papers and assignments will be completed on the work experiences and their educational value.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of CRJ 101,CRJ 103, CRJ 104 and CRJ 204, or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the relationship between Formal Education and Work Experience in career preparation.
2. Analyze interpersonal problems experienced in the workplace.
3. Explain strategies employed by agencies to deal with interpersonal problems in the workplace.
4. Discuss changes in personal attitudes as a result of incidents and experiences in the workplace.
5. Develop a career achievement plan which may include; self-assessment, goal setting or job search strategies.
6. Discuss potential ethical problems associated with employment in a Criminal Justice agency.
7. Explain strategies employed by Criminal Justice agencies to deal with ethical problems.
8. Discuss the purpose and importance of Performance evaluation in the workplace.
9. Discuss the purpose and importance of the Mission Statement in a Criminal Justice agency.

This course focuses on the major programs within the corrections component of the criminal justice system. It includes analysis of probation, institutional treatment, parole, and community corrections programs. Development of corrections philosophy, theory, and practice will be presented with emphasis on constitutional rights of offenders.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the corrections component of the criminal justice system.
2. Describe the conflicting purposes, goals, and objectives of the corrections system.
3. Describe the various correctional philosophies and how they affect the system.
4. Identify the choices available to the correction system, such as incarceration, probation, or community-based corrections.
5. Discuss the basic differences between jail and prison.
6. Discuss the basic differences between probation and parole.
7. Discuss the basic differences between community-based corrections and current correctional practices.
8. Identify ethical issues in the corrections system and describe acceptable responses to them.

A review of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, civil rights of institutional inmates and those under supervision; legal authority and responsibilities of institutional, probation and parole officers; procedural law with an explanation of the court systems of the U.S. at all levels, emphasizing adversary proceedings in the criminal and civil courts as they apply to corrections.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of CRJ 101 and CRJ 103.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the purpose and methods of continuously updating knowledge of constitutional law affecting prisons and prisoner.
2. Compare and contrast New York State specific constitutional requirements and New York State Minimum Standards with those mandated by federal court decisions.
3. Apply basic knowledge of the federal and state constitutions to critical issues in the area of corrections.
4. Illustrate and explain the appellate court process.
5. Utilize legal terminology with proficiency.
6. Analyze cases using the case law method.

The function of the correctional officer is examined: attitude, obligations and authority. Institutional procedures in reception, classification, program assignment and release procedures are reviewed. Trends in jail programs, work release programs, half-way houses, narcotic addiction control centers and contract program planning are described and evaluated.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of CRJ 101 and CRJ 103.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss inmate attitudes and functioning in a jail/prison atmosphere.
2. Explain jail/prison procedures from reception to release from the staff point of view.
3. Explain jail/prison procedures from reception to release from the inmate point of view.
4. Explain current trends regarding inmate procedures and programs.
5. Identify the New York State Minimum Standards and how they apply to the operation of a New York State correctional facility.
6. Describe the various programs available to inmates.
7. Evaluate the purposes and success of programs available to inmates.

A study of the qualities of an investigation, general criminal investigative methods, procedures and techniques, and phases of investigation.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of CRJ 101 and CRJ 103.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the role of investigations in the criminal justice process.
2. Identify skills required to successfully investigate crimes.
3. Process physical evidence at a crime scene.
4. Define physical parameters of a crime scene.
5. Document all phases of the criminal investigation process.
6. Identify solvability factors.
7. Prioritize evidence of the crime with an eye towards prosecution.
8. Evaluate elements of a crime with an eye towards prosecution
9. Identify ethical issues that are present throughout the criminal justice system.
10. Describe acceptable responses to ethical issues as they pertain to investigation.

This course will cover the process of initiating, conducting and completing an investigation within the private security field. Particular attention will focus on the role of technology within private security investigations, analyzing different types of investigations, defining the multiple components of an investigation, describing skills an investigator must possess, explaining the interviewing process of witnesses and suspects, and the obtaining of written statements. Finally, additional topics such as legal liabilities, investigator and business responsibilities, the role of law enforcement, and the future of private investigative services will be discussed.

Prerequisite: CRJ 102

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the different types of technology which can be used to assist a private security investigation.
2. Assess the necessary steps an investigator must follow to conduct and fully complete a private security investigation.
3. Differentiate between the conduct of a private security investigation and a law enforcement investigation.
4. Summarize the purpose of interviewing witnesses and suspects from a private security perspective.
5. Describe the process of obtaining written statements from witnesses and suspects from a private security perspective.
6. Contrast how the investigative process will vary in different private security investigations.

Juvenile delinquency and the role of the criminal justice practitioner in handling juvenile matters is examined. The philosophy and history of juvenile proceedings, including trends in prevention, placements, current court decisions and "rights of children" are emphasized. The Family Court Law of New York and handling of juvenile matters are explored.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of CRJ 101 and CRJ 103.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe his/her attitudes and attributes in relation to juvenile justice careers.
2. Describe the various theories of crime causation.
3. Describe the effects of crime causation on the juvenile justice system.
4. Discuss the major components of the juvenile justice system.
5. Explain the interrelationships of the major components of the juvenile justice system.
6. Define key terms and concepts in the juvenile justice system.
7. Differentiate among key terms and concepts in the juvenile justice system.
8. Compare and contrast key terms in juvenile justice with those in criminal justice.
9. Discuss the problems unique to juveniles in contemporary culture.
10. Discuss the applicable federal and New York State law relevant to juvenile procedures.
11. Illustrate and explain the process of an adjudication from occurrence of the alleged act to disposition.
12. Discuss current trends in juvenile justice, which could include prevention, investigation, treatment, or rehabilitation.

A study of rules of evidence in criminal matters. Particular emphasis is placed on rules of evidence in the fourth, fifth, and sixth amendments of the Bill of Rights which safeguard such fundamental individual liberties as personal security, protection from self-incrimination, and right to counsel, with emphasis on New York law.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of CRJ 101 and CRJ 103.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the purpose of continuously updating knowledge of the rules of evidence.
2. Discuss the methods of continuously updating knowledge of the rules of evidence.
3. Outline chain of custody from discovery at crime scene to admission of evidence at court.
4. Explain the rules of evidence to include privileged communications, exclusionary rule, hearsay, documents, or photographs.
5. Identify the key elements of testifying effectively.
6. Express legal literacy.
7. Compare and contrast New York State specific rules of evidence with federal rules.

Examines the application of the physical and biological sciences to criminal investigation. Modern technology will be detailed as it applies to crime scene management, fingerprint science and photography. Emphasis is placed on the inter-relationship between science and law enforcement. The student will have the opportunity, in a classroom equipped with laboratory materials, to demonstrate their learning with hands-on activities directly related to the contemporary crime scene.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of CRJ 101 and CRJ 103, or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the History of Forensic Science.
2. Utilize proper Forensic Science terminology.
3. Apply appropriate Forensic Science principles to Investigations.
4. Explain the “Synergistic Process” involved in Forensic Science investigations.
5. Describe crime scene investigation principles to include; reconstruction, evidence collection, preservation of evidence, photography and documentation.
6. Describe orally all aspects of a Crime Scene Forensic Investigation in preparation for court testimony.
7. Demonstrate methods of collection, processing, analysis, and evaluation of evidence.
8. Identify and discuss ethical issues regarding crime scene management.
9. Develop competence in oral and written documentation relating to crime scene management.

The inter-relationship of community values and ethical conduct in the administration of justice is explored. Through interaction and study, the student will become aware of how community and professional expectations can affect role performance. Open communication and accountability within and without the justice process will be stressed. (It is strongly suggested that students register for this course during their final semester before graduation.)

Prerequisite(s): CRJ 101, CRJ 103, CRJ 104, and CRJ 204, or permission of instructor. Co-requisite: CRJ 121 or previously completed

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss contemporary problems in the area of criminal justice.
2. Identify and describe acceptable responses to current ethical problems in criminal justice.
3. Analyze contemporary criminal justice issues utilizing media or other sources of information.
4. Identify and describe issues with regard to partnerships between criminal justice agencies and the community.
5. Apply critical thinking and reasoning techniques to criminal justice issues.
6. Research contemporary criminal justice issues.
7. Participate in debates on contemporary criminal justice issues.
8. Evaluate how community perception of the police and justice system shapes relations between cultural groups within the community through analysis of historical police and citizen involvement.

A seminar which explores alternatives to incarceration in centralized penal institutions. Problems of work-release and school-release programs are discussed. Management of halfway houses, probation, and parole are reviewed. The success and failure of community-based corrections programs in the United States and in Europe are also explored.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of CRJ 101 and CRJ 103.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the basis for community corrections as an alternative to incarceration.
2. Explain the historical development of community corrections.
3. Discuss contemporary trends in deinstitutionalization.
4. Explain how community-based corrections or diversion is a component of a comprehensive corrections system.
5. Define the different forms of diversion programs.
6. Evaluate the need for various services within pre-trial release programs.
7. Compare and contrast probation and parole.
8. Evaluate critically the effectiveness of various community corrections programs currently utilized in the United States.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025

This course provides basic communications skills needed by paralegals as perceived by both paralegals and the lawyers with whom they work. These skills include: listening, writing, speaking, conflict resolution, assertiveness, and nonverbal communications. Listening activities include: exercises which develop active listening strategies and notetaking. Writing activities include exercises to construct clear sentences, compose letters which obtain and transmit information, and summarize facts. Speaking activities include exercises to fully, clearly and effectively obtain and relay information. Nonverbal activities include strategies and tactics for effective law office communications. Students learn to identify their own communication styles and methods for improving their communication effectiveness. Must be matriculated into the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program.

Prerequisite(s): PLS 260 or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply active listening strategies to obtain information for note taking.
2. Apply verbal strategies to obtain and relay information.
3. Create letters and documents using proper grammar and spelling appropriate for a legal setting.
4. Demonstrate strategies or tactics for effective law office communications.
5. Demonstrate assertiveness appropriate for a legal setting.
6. Demonstrate conflict resolution strategies appropriate for a legal setting.

Provides students with an understanding of current trends in technology for use in various legal environments and commonly used software and applications. Students will learn about and evaluate different case management systems with functionality for timekeeping, accounting, administration, docketing, and litigation management and support. Additional topics covered include: ethical issues related to technology, cybersecurity, e-discovery, artificial intelligence and legal analytics. Students will gain hands-on experience with a number of tools that are available to assist with law office organization and case management.

Prerequisite(s): Pre-requisite or co-requisite PLS 260, or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify, describe, and use various types and applications of law office technology.
2. Describe and compare the various features of office and case management software.
3. Determine the criteria for selecting litigation management systems used in local litigation practices.
4. Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility rules as they relate to the use of technology in the law office, e-discovery, litigation support, and the use of artificial intelligence.

This course introduces students to criminal law and procedure, including an overview of the criminal justice system, basic principles of criminal law, types of offenses, legal defenses, discovery and disclosure, pretrial motions and plea bargaining, the trial, sentencing, and appeals. Students will learn how to prepare various pleadings and documents and the role of the paralegal in criminal law cases.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of PLS 260 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of program director. PLS 260 can be taken concurrently.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain why governments enact laws and the differences between criminal law and civil law.
2. Identify and describe the role of the participants in the system of criminal justice.
3. List the primary sources of federal and state laws and explain how they differ.
4. Identify the major categories used to classify different types of criminal laws and give examples of the crimes included in each classification.
5. Identify and describe the differences among the categories of legal defenses that are available to people who have been accused of crimes.
6. Diagram the stages of the Criminal Justice Process.

Introduces the student to the paralegal profession and the common core of legal knowledge and skills that all paralegals should possess. Areas covered include: what paralegals do, a history of the profession, the significance of paralegal professional associations, personal attributes of the professional paralegal, employment of paralegals, paralegal specialized practice areas, paralegal compensation, the organizational structure of law firms, the regulation of legal professionals, unauthorized practice of law, and contemporary issues. Aspects of these topics are also included in subsequent courses. This course also introduces students to sources of American law, the court system, and alternative dispute resolution. Emphasis is on the paralegal's participation on the legal team.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define the role of a paralegal and the vocabulary attached thereto; understand the history of the profession and the skills and attributes required to succeed in this area.
2. Describe the areas in which paralegals are functioning and the range of compensation.
3. Explain the various paralegal regulation options.
4. Describe the ethical considerations specific to the legal profession and paralegals in particular.
5. Explain how law firms are organized and how they structure their business including the lines of authority, typical employment policies, work appraisals, efficient billing and filing.
6. Describe the uses for computers in the legal field today.
7. Define the sources of American law including the common law tradition, constitutional law, statutory law, administrative law and case law.
8. Describe the American system of justice including federal, state, and local court systems,and alternative dispute resolution.

Provides paralegal students with the basic theory of contract law, sample contracts from a variety of specialized practice areas, supplemental cases, and the opportunity to draft simple contracts. Included in the course are the basic contract requirements, contract provisions in selected specialized practice areas, the Statute of Frauds, and the Uniform Commercial Code. Students learn key contract terms, sample clauses, perform exercises, draft simple contracts, and conduct case analysis. Since the substantive area of contract law underlies many other specialty areas it is important that the well trained paralegal can analyze the needs of the client both short term and long range. This class will also explore how paralegals can apply the elements of reasoning and thereby increase the effectiveness of the legal entity. In this area this course will draw on concepts from the domains of critical thinking and analysis, total quality management and closely allied philosophy of continuing quality improvement, communications which build trust, conflict management and resolution, and decision making.

Prerequisite: PLS 260

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the necessary elements of any contract.
2. Draft simple contracts.
3. Define key contract terms.

This course introduces students to a rapidly expanding area of law. Students will learn how and why administrative agencies are created, how they establish rules, and how they investigate and enforce those rules. Students will also learn how to assist clients to obtain benefits under some administrative agencies, how to fill out administrative agencies' forms, and how to challenge administrative agencies' decisions. Some administrative agencies, including the Social Security Administration, permit non-attorney representatives, including paralegals, to represent clients. Federal and New York administrative agencies are covered.

Prerquisite/Corequisite(s): Successful completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, PLS 260- Introduction to Paralegal Studies and PLS 266- Legal Research and Writing; or permission from the program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain how and why administrative agencies are created.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the powers exercised by administrative agencies and some limitations on those powers.
3. Describe the government functions performed by administrative agencies.
4. Explain how administrative agencies establish and enforce rules.
5. Explain the primary responsibilities of paralegals in performing administrative agencies’ tasks.
6. Predict what to anticipate as a paralegal when working with administrative agencies.
7. Identify opportunities for paralegals in the area of administrative law, federal and state agencies.
8. Define the differences in function and procedure among trial courts, appellate courts, and administrative hearings.

Provides students with strategies for fact-finding and investigation. Included in the courses are interviewing techniques for gathering information from clients, witnesses and agencies. Also included are investigative techniques for determining what information is needed and finding, organizing, verifying and documenting the information. Fact-finding research is an important aspect of paralegal responsibility. Students will learn to develop critical thinking skills, communicate effectively while in pursuit of information, and apply good judgement and common sense when encountering ethical problems.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the ethical considerations and responsibilities of the lawyer and paralegal in interviewing and investigating.
2. Identify the objectives of investigation, concentrate on the evidence reflecting those objectives and recognize affirmative and rebuttal evidence.
3. Demonstrate ability to gather facts from clients, witnesses, and agencies.
4. Develop strategies for determining what information is needed and finding, organizing, verifying and documenting the information.
5. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze sets of facts relating to legal dispute to determine what further information is required to prepare for resolution of the dispute and where this information can be obtained.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of how to prepare for and conduct an interview with a client and/or witness in preparation for the dispute resolution process.
7. Draft interview checklists, forms and other materials relevant to the interviewing and investigating process.
8. Succinctly summarize information discovered during fact-finding research.
9. Demonstrate how to identify witnesses or potential parties to a suit,and conduct an effective interview and record appropriate, accurate statements.
10. Prepare releases and requests to gain access to medical and corporate records.

Students develop legal research and analysis strategies through lecture, library exercises, and computerized research. Understanding the structure of the sources of law and utilizing critical thinking skills equip students to undertake legal research systematically. Students use federal and New York State CD-ROM and law books consisting of substantive and procedural documents, digests, reporters, statutes, rules and regulations of administrative agencies, and the Internet to research databases and communicate with others. Writing exercises involve analyzing, summarizing, and synthesizing research in a clear, concise, accurate and timely manner based upon the procedural requirements of the law.

Prerequisite(s): Pre-requisite or co-requisite PLS 260, or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Locate, recognize, read selections from, and explain the sources of law,
2. Identify, read, and define citations,
3. Gather and analyze facts and identify and organize legal issues,
4. Define terminology used in legal research and specific documents,
5. Determine “key” search words prior to conducting research
6. Use legal research tools, both manually and electronically,
7. Use CD-ROM and the internet.
8. Take notes on facts and principles surrounding issues in specific cases,
9. Summarize, analyze, and synthesize findings
10. Write drafts in timely manner,

Provides students with the knowledge, skills and practice performing the duties of the litigation paralegal. Through the use of case simulations, students learn to gather, review, index and summarize documents, and to work with the lawyer and legal secretary to manage case files through pretrial, trial and post-trial stages. Guided by federal and New York State procedural laws, and rules and regulations of New York and local court rules, students learn to draft common litigation correspondence, notices and legal documents. These include summons, complaints, answers, motions, affidavits, subpoena, discovery documents, and orders. Students are introduced to the tools used in litigation: manual and computer-based document control systems, deposition exhibitions cross-reference mechanisms, trial notebook categories, trial witness coordinating forms, and trial exhibits tracking forms. Litigation tasks in this course form the foundation for paralegal litigation responsibilities in family law, real estate, debtor/creditor law, criminal law, and personal injury law. Also introduced in this course are automated litigation support systems and an overview of the potential areas for paralegal participation on document production.

Prerequisites: Pre-requisite or co-requisite PLS 260, or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the law office setting and procedures, the role of the paralegal on the litigation team, courts and jurisdiction, and the stages in the civil litigation process.
2. Explain the ethical and professional responsibilities of the lawyer and the paralegal in civil litigation.
3. Integrate substantive and procedural law in the litigation context.
4. Explain federal and state rules of evidence and civil procedure and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of those rules.
5. Draft forms, checklists, pleadings, documents, motions and other materials relevant to the litigation process.
6. Explain the procedures involved in interviewing clients and witnesses, filing court documents, assisting in discovery, serving papers, assisting at trial and other litigation processes.

Students learn the basic principles of personal injury law, the application of the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) to personal injury cases, New York automobile insurance law, worker's compensation, and procedures for suing municipalities and the State of New York. Students learn to manage document production and organization, including investigating, researching, and drafting the most commonly used forms in personal injury resulting from negligence, vehicular negligence, medical malpractice, strict liability, and product liability.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PLS 266, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the basic substantive law of torts.
2. Analyze client fact situations and propose application of the appropriate tort law.
3. Discuss the concepts of burdens of proof and presumptions in law.
4. Propose appropriate remedies for a given wrong to persons or their property.
5. Explain the defendant’s use of affirmative defenses.
6. Discuss the ideas of comparative and contributory negligence, as well as joint and several liability.
7. Formulate definitive legal positions to give direction to the litigation attorney and to focus the direction of the legal research in a specific tort action.

Introduces students to the paralegal responsibilities in family law practice including New York Domestic Relations Law and the Family Court Act as they govern family situations. Students will draft a complaint and answer for a contested matrimonial action, and other documents related to contemporary family matters.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PLS 266 and 267, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Calculate child support pursuant to New York State’s Child Support Standards Act.
2. Prepare pleadings for a divorce action.
3. Calculate maintenance pursuant to Domestic Relations Law.

This course will introduce students to bankruptcy law and the application of legal procedures in bankruptcy. Students will learn about jurisdiction; the cast of characters and their roles in bankruptcy; key terminology; sources of bankruptcy law; the various bankruptcy chapters under U.S. Code: Title 11; the different types of bankruptcy case filings, including: Chapter 7, Chapter 9, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13; how to conduct a client interview; how to evaluate bankruptcy options for clients; the initial case filing documentation; the automatic stay; discharge; conversion; dismissal; voidable transfers; and how to diagram a Chapter 7 case from beginning to end. Students will learn to draft a complete Chapter 7 petition under the supervision of an attorney. Students will also learn about the paralegal’s role in bankruptcy practice and how to formulate a Chapter 13 plan

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of PLS 260- Introduction to Paralegal Studies and PLS 266- Legal Research and Writing, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate ability to recognize which bodies of substantive and procedural law relate to bankruptcy.
2. Demonstrate ability to distinguish amongst various parties in relation to bankruptcy cases and the roles they play.
3. Prepare a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition under the supervision of an attorney.

Introduces students to corporate law and the formation, operation, dissolution, and buying and selling various kinds of business organizations. Subjects include sole proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, professional associations, franchises, and the law of agency and employment agreements. Also included in this course is a section on business closings. The role of the paralegal in a corporate law department or in the corporate section of a law firm is to implement the decisions of the attorneys and clients. Once the business evaluation has occurred, the paralegal is responsible for the details of drafting, filing and assembling the relevant documents and making the deal happen on a predetermined timetable.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PLS 266 and PLS 267, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate between the various types of business entities and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
2. Explain the basic government and judicial structures which form the basis for the business and corporate areas of law.
3. Demonstrate an ability to recognize the interrelationship between law and business/corporate structure systems and how one influences another.
4. Explain the ramifications when a partnership or corporation is invalidly formed.
5. Examine how the law of agency is interrelated to business and corporate law.
6. Explain the tax implications for partnerships and corporations.
7. Define sexual harassment in the corporations/business/work environments.
8. Prepare a partnership agreement.

Introduces students to real estate law and practice. Topics of study include: property rights, principles of land ownership, sale, financing and conveyance, contracts, mortgage loans, mortgages, deeds, recording, settlement concepts, condominiums, leasing, landlord/tenant summary proceedings, and other property concepts. Students focus on managing multiple participant relationships, and opening, controlling, and closing the real estate file. Emphasis on the law regarding, and performing selected tasks and responsibilities listed in the "MCC's Survey Results for Paralegal Competency Expectations" in the specialized practice area of real estate under the supervision of an attorney.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PLS 260 and PLS 266, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain basic real estate law concepts.
2. Prepare real estate transactions for an attorney.
3. Articulate the use and function of each major real estate document.

Introduces students to the concepts and forms necessary for estate planning and estate and trust administration. Students learn to assist the attorney with a variety of tasks, from opening the estate and appointment of a fiduciary to filing of final account and distribution of assets. Forms, checklists, and deadlines for Federal and New York income, estate, and gift taxation laws and regulations are emphasized. Probate practice is an important area of employability of paralegals. A basic foundation in New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law, Uniform Court Rules, and the procedures and forms used in Surrogate's Court Practice will increase a paralegal's value to the firm.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PLS 260 and PLS 266, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate fact patterns involving wills, estates, and trusts.
2. Explain the procedures for filing a voluntary administration of small estates.
3. Explain the filing procedures for the probate of an estate.
4. Explain the procedures for filing estate taxes.

Builds upon ethical situations and professional responsibilities. Students are provided with additional frameworks with which to undertake ethical analysis. Students will study paralegals as an emerging professional and efforts directed toward paralegal credentialing and regulation. Included are discussions concerning conclusions reached in the final report of the NYS Bar Association on Non-Lawyer Practice, and recommendations contained in the final report of the American Bar Association Non-Lawyer Activity in Law-Related Situations. Other areas covered include employment discrimination, substance abuse and continuing education requirements.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of PLS 260, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Establish a framework from which to undertake an analysis of ethical problems.
2. Apply critical thinking techniques to view ethical dilemmas from the perspective of the involved players – supervising attorney, adversary, paralegal, client and the court.
3. Describe the ethical rules governing lawyers and paralegals in New York State and the grievance procedures available to the public.
4. Demonstrate ethical practical skills of:(a) Recognizing potential conflicts (b) Articulate procedures required to establish a screen against violating client confidentiality in a conflict situation (c) Demonstrate awareness of the need to be ever cognizant of behavior that may infringe upon laws prohibiting the unauthorized practice of law.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025

Designed to give students the opportunity to apply their formal education to actual work situations. The student intern will work either under the direct supervision of a practicing attorney, or under the direct supervision of a practicing paralegal, or under the direct supervision of a comparable level of court personnel while under the overall supervision of a practicing attorney. Students must work a minimum of eighty (80) hours in a law office or other legal environment and eight (8) of these hours must be for a not-for-profit legal entity. Additionally the students must complete other assignments related to their internship experience as assigned by the internship faculty member to receive three semester credit hours. Student interns must adhere to highest standards of ethics, maintaining confidentiality, being meticulous and reliability.

Prerequisite(s): PLS 260 and PLS 255, PLS 266, and PLS 267, or permission of the program director

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the knowledge gained in "Introduction to Paralegal Studies" and other program courses to obtain an intern position in an appropriate legal entity.
2. Apply paralegal skills and be able to identify the role and responsibilities of the paralegal in a law office or other legal environment through the eighty (80) hour internship.
3. Demonstrate paralegal competencies that enhance the student’s resume/portfolio to improve employability upon graduation from the program.