Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Module 5

         Module 5 includes Chapters 12, 14 and part of 15  in the text.  In this module the student will focus on the procedural issues associated with initiating and completing a lawsuit.   From the beginning of the course you should remember two types of law, procedural and substantive.  You had an overview of substantive law in module 4.  Now it is time to look more closely (we looked at some procedure in module 2) at the procedural aspects of a lawsuit.  A lawsuit cannot succeed without the proper application of both procedural and substantive law.
          Chapter 12 focuses on procedures used to initiate a lawsuit, as well as, those leading up to the trial.  In a previous chapter, you studied the concept of jurisdiction and how it applied to various types of cases.  You also learned the various types of jurisdiction including Federal, State, Personal, Subject Matter, etc.  You will need to review that material before you begin the last three chapters of the course.  If you don't it will make your work that much harder.  Remember your manuals need to be updated and this review should help with updating your previous work product.  You will continue your study of this material in LGS 153 Business Law I and in more depth in LGS 170 Civil Procedure.
          Chapter 14  focuses on civil trial procedures. It also deals with post trial motions, appeals and the enforcement of the verdict.  There is a great deal of paperwork associated with a trial and it is the paralegal's duty to sometimes draft motions and certainly to keep all of the paperwork in order so that it is readily accessible and usable during the trial.  You will continue your study of this material in LGS 153 Business Law I and in more depth in LGS 170 Civil Procedure.
          Chapter 15 Part II  focuses on the procedural aspects of a criminal case.  Criminal procedure is driven by the United States Constitution (you should be familiar with that by now.)  It is significantly different from civil procedure.  In this chapter you will only slightly touch upon this subject.  You will study it again in LGS 216  Evidence and Procedure. 

          It's now time to begin Module Five.  This module must be completed by the date specified in the work schedule found in the syllabus.

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02/10/09 03:34 PM