Introduction to Paralegal Studies

by Cooper, David; Gibson, Michael J.

• ISBN13: 9780827383395
• ISBN10: 0827383398
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780538707282
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-01-09
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

An Introduction to Paralegal Studies is a concise, easy-to-read book that provides basic coverage of the topics most important for a beginning paralegal student. It is aimed primarily at mid-level courses, but is an excellent choice for an introductory course in any paralegal program. This text is unique from other introductory texts in two important ways. The first is that paralegal skills are taught in the context of a single fictional case, Smith v. Lemon Motors. Students learn the skills necessary to prepare the Smith case for trial in a step-by-step, easy to follow format. The second is in the substantive law and the legal ethics chapters where general rules and principles of law are illustrated with actual cases. These cases also provide an opportunity to develop the important skill of reading case law. ALSO AVAILABLE INSTRUCTOR SUPPLEMENTS CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO ORDER Instructors Manual, ISBN: 0-8273-8340-1

Table of Contents

TABLE OF DOCUMENTS	xi	(2)
TABLE OF CASES	xiii	(2)
PREFACE	xv
PART 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PARALEGAL PROFESSION	1	(98)
Chapter 1 What Is a Paralegal?	1	(30)
Chapter 2 How Law Offices Are Organized and Managed	31	(36)
Chapter 3 An Overview of the American Legal System	67	(32)
PART 2 BECOMING A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL: MASTERING THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW	99	(98)
Chapter 4 The Foundations of Our Law: Contracts, Torts, and Criminal Law	99	(34)
Chapter 5 Law Related to Property Interests: Real Property, Business, Estate Planning and Probate, and Family Law	133	(64)
PART 3 BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL: MASTERING PARALEGAL SKILLS	197	(158)
Chapter 6 Fact Investigation: Getting the Whole Story	197	(38)
Chapter 7 Legal Research: Finding the Law	235	(38)
Chapter 8 Legal Analysis and Writing: Applying the Law	273	(32)
Chapter 9 The Litigation Process: Your Role as a Paralegal	305	(50)
PART 4 PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PARALEGAL	355	(54)
Chapter 10 Legal Ethics: Guidelines for Professional Conduct	355	(34)
Chapter 11 Paralegals and the Unauthorized Practice of Law	389	(20)
APPENDICES	409	(32)
GLOSSARY	441	(22)
INDEX	463