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Tables of Contents for Introduction to Paralegal Studies and the Law
Introduction to Paralegalism As a Profession
1
48
Definitions of Paralegal
1
2
Areas of paralegal Employment
3
2
How Paralegals Are Utilized
5
6
Bonus Pointers: Compensation
11
2
Bonus Pointers: Employment
13
1
Paralegal Associations
14
2
Self-assessment16
2
Experience18
1
Resumes19
1
Writing Samples19
1
Networking20
1
Want Ads20
1
Mock Interviews20
1
Selling Yourself21
1
Recess22
1
Summary-Part A22
1
Key Terms22
1
Review Questions-Part A22
1
Practice Exam-Part A22
2
Certification and Licensure
24
1
Bonus Pointers: The New Jersey Experience
25
2
Ethical Etiquette: Unauthorized Practice of Law
27
4
Qualities of Successful Paralegals
31
1
Bonus Pointers: Emotional Qualities of Successful Paralegals
32
2
Law Office Organization
34
2
Private Practice34
1
Sole Proprietorship35
1
Partnership35
1
Professional Corporation35
1
Limited Liability Partnership35
1
Bonus Pointers: Retention
36
2
Ethical Etiquette: Ethical Codes
38
1
Ethical Etiquette: Solicitation and Advertising
39
1
Bonus Pointers: A Case of Solicitation
40
1
Summary--Part B42
1
Key Terms43
1
Review Questions--Part B43
1
Practice Exam--Part B44
1
Legal Lingo45
1
Legal Logistics46
1
A Trip to the Movies46
1
Internet Inquiries47
2
Ethical Etiquette: Confidentiality
49
2
Legislative Branch55
1
Executive Branch55
1
Judicial Branch56
1
Substantive vs. Procedural Law56
1
Civil vs. Criminal Law57
2
Setting Up an Initial Interview
59
1
Attorney-Client Privilege
60
1
Getting the Information
61
3
Structuring an Initial Interview
64
3
Determine Who the Adverse Parties Are64
1
Determine What the Dispute is About64
2
Determine What Damages Are Involved66
1
Determine When the Dispute Arose67
1
Bonus Pointers: Statute of Limitations Problems
67
4
Determine Where to Get More Information67
1
Get Needed Administrative Information68
1
Inform the Client68
3
Bonus Pointers: Effective Listening Skills
71
6
Recess72
1
Summary--Part A72
1
Key Terms73
1
Review Questions--Part A73
1
Practice Exam--Part A74
3
Interviewing a Witness
77
1
Bonus Pointers: Getting a Witness Statement
78
4
Bonus Pointers: Locating Witnesses
82
1
Medical Records84
1
Police Records and Other Official Records85
1
County Recorder's Office and Court Clerk's Office85
1
Other Public Records86
1
Bonus Pointers: How to Make a Freedom of Information Act Request
87
2
Additional Sources of Information88
1
Photographing the Scene
89
1
Getting Physical Evidence
89
1
Obtaining an Expert Witness
90
1
Elements of a Personal Injury Claim
91
6
Negligence91
4
Intentional Torts95
1
Strict Liability96
1
Bonus Pointers: Communications with Clients
103
1
Ethical Etiquette: Conflicts of Interest
104
3
Summary--Part B107
2
Key Terms109
1
Review Questions--Part B109
1
Practice Exam--Part B109
5
Legal Lingo114
1
Legal Logistics114
1
A Trip to the Movies115
1
Internet Inquiries116
1
Researching the Case
117
86
Organization of the Courts
117
3
Federal Courts117
3
Bonus Pointers: Court Traditions
120
4
State Courts122
2
Where Cases are Reported
124
3
State Courts125
1
Federal Courts126
1
Availability of Cases126
1
Electronic Research127
1
Format of Court Opinions127
1
Bonus Pointers: Reading Captions
127
3
Bonus Pointers: Why Reading Cases Is So Challenging
131
1
Bonus Pointers: Briefs Come in Two Forms
133
16
Citation133
1
Procedural History133
12
Facts145
1
Issue and Holding146
1
Rationale147
1
Synthesis148
1
Bonus Pointers: Importance of Briefing
149
6
Recess149
1
Summary--Part A149
1
Key Terms150
1
Review Questions--Part A151
1
Practice Exam--Part A151
4
Primary and Secondary Authority
155
1
Limitations on Appellate Courts
175
2
Questions of Fact vs. Questions of Law175
1
Stare Decisis176
1
Adherence to Statutes and Constitutions176
1
Issue178
1
Rule178
1
Application178
1
Conclusion178
1
Definitions Section of Statute183
2
Plain Meaning185
1
Context of Other Statutues185
1
Public Policy185
1
Case Law185
1
Legislative History185
1
Bonus Pointers: Canons of Construction
186
1
Format187
1
Heading188
1
Overview188
1
Facts188
1
Issue189
1
Analysis189
1
Conclusion189
1
Recommendations190
2
Summary--Part B193
1
Key Terms194
1
Review Questions--Part B195
1
Practice Exam--Part B195
4
Legal Lingo199
1
Legal Logistics200
1
A Trip to the Movies201
1
Internet Inquiries202
1
Ethical Etiquette: Improper Communications with Opponents
204
1
Ethical Etiquette: Frivolous Lawsuits--Rule 11
205
1
Going After the Deep Pocket
206
2
Collectability of Judgments
208
1
Ethical Etiquette: Fees and Fee Arrangements
212
1
Bonus Pointers: Accessibility of Legal Services
214
2
Client Objectives216
1
Theory of Case216
1
Demand Letter216
1
Pre-filing Requirements217
1
Litigation Timetable217
2
Subject Matter Jurisdiction219
1
Personal Jurisdiction220
2
Bonus Pointers: Personal Jurisdiction Cases
222
1
Deciding Which Court Is the Best
223
3
Procedural Law223
1
Substantive Law224
1
Other Factors to Weigh in Choosing a Forum224
2
Bonus Pointers: Office Politics
226
6
Recess226
1
Summary--Part A226
1
Key Terms227
1
Review Questions--Part A228
1
Practice Exam--Part A228
4
Overview of a Complaint232
1
Bonus Pointers: Mechanical Requirements
232
6
Caption234
1
Body235
1
Allegations235
1
Counts236
2
Bonus Pointers: Proving Damages
238
6
Conclusion240
4
Purpose of Service244
1
Procedures for Serving Process245
1
Creating and Organizing Files
246
2
Importance of Meeting Deadlines248
1
Bonus Pointers: Dealing with Deadlines
248
2
Computing Deadlines249
1
Answering the Complaint
250
10
Objectives of the Answer250
2
Steps to Drafting an Answer252
1
Third-party Claims252
1
Affirmative Defenses253
1
Defenses to Tort Claims253
3
Writing the Answer256
4
Alternatives to Filing an Answer
260
3
Do Nothing, Default260
1
File for Bankruptcy260
1
Seek a Different Forum261
1
Move to Dismiss for Lack of Jursidiction, Improper Service, Etc.261
1
Negotiate a Settlement261
1
Move to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim262
1
Summary--Part B264
1
Key Terms265
1
Review Questions--Part B265
1
Practice Exam--Part B265
5
Legal Lingo270
1
Legal Logistics271
1
A Trip to the Movies272
1
Internet Inquiries273
2
Discovery and Motion Practice
275
62
Overview of Discovery
276
1
Discovery Reform and Mandatory Disclosure
276
2
Bonus Pointers: Historical Context of Discovery Reform
278
2
Local Variations279
1
Ethical Etiquette: Ethical Concerns Surrounding Mandatory Disclosure
280
1
Criticisms of Mandatory Disclosure280
1
Bonus Pointers: Report Card on Mandatory Disclosure
280
1
Overview of Depositions
281
3
Advantages of Depositions Over Written Discovery281
2
Goals of a Deposition283
1
Arranging Depositions
284
1
Bonus Pointers: Depositions in the Electronic Age
288
1
Independent Medical Examination (I.M.E.)
289
2
Goals of Document Discovery
291
1
Document Discovery in a Nutshell
291
2
The Tools of Document Discovery
293
2
Overview of Written Discovery
295
1
Requests for Admission
296
1
Preparing Interrogatories and Requests for Admissions
296
2
Using Interrogatories and Requests for Admission
298
8
Recess298
1
Summary--Part A298
2
Key Terms300
1
Review Questions--Part A300
1
Practice Exam--Part A300
6
Disclosure Statements
306
1
Ethical Etiquette: Inadequate Disclosure: The Consequences
307
2
Bonus Pointers: More Comprehensive Disclosure Schemes
309
Ethical Etiquette: Ex Parte Communications
300
10
How Motions Are Presented
310
1
How Motions Are Decided
311
1
Example of a Motion: Motion to Dismiss
312
3
Summary of Agreemeent313
1
Factual Background313
1
Argument313
1
Conclusion313
2
Bonus Pointers: Gallagher or Mary Carter Agreements
315
4
Preparing for a Deposition317
1
Assisting at a Deposition317
1
What to Expect at a Deposition318
1
Bonus Pointers: The Opposing Attorney's Role
319
2
Summarizing a Deposition
321
2
Grounds for Objecting to Discovery Requests
323
3
Work Product323
1
Questions Calling for Privileged Communications324
1
Questions Exceeding the Scope of Discovery324
2
Non-Compliance with Discovery Requests
326
3
Summary--Part B330
1
Key Terms331
1
Review Questions--Part B331
1
Practice Exam--Part B331
3
Legal Lingo334
1
Legal Logistics335
1
A Trip to the Movies335
1
Internet Inquiries336
1
Pre-Trial, Trial, and Post-Trial
337
68
Motions for Summary Judgment
338
2
Pre-Trial Statements/Orders
341
1
Ethical Etiquette: Responding to Inquiries from the Press
341
1
Motions in Limine344
1
Jury Instructions345
2
Exhibits347
1
Trial Notebook348
2
Jury Selection350
2
Bonus Pointers: Trials to the Court
352
11
Opening Statements353
1
Presentation of Evidence354
2
The Plaintiff's Case356
3
Rules of Evidence359
3
``Half-Time''362
1
Ethical Etiquette: Contact with Jurors
363
16
Defendant's Case363
2
Rebuttal365
1
More Motions365
2
Closing Arguments367
1
Charging the Jury and Submitting the Case to the Jury368
1
Recess369
1
Summary--Part A369
1
Key Terms370
1
Review Questions--Part A371
1
Practice Exam--Part A371
5
Deliberation and Verdict376
2
Getting from Verdict to Judgment378
1
Getting from Verdict to Judgment
379
2
Collecting a Judgment
381
1
Debtor's Examination382
1
Bonus Pointers: Locating Assets of Judgment Debtors
382
3
Execution383
2
Bonus Pointers: Role of the Paralegal in Collection Practice
385
1
The Judgment Debtor's Options385
1
Bonus Pointers: Bankruptcy
386
2
Grounds for Reversal388
1
Interlocutory Appeals389
1
Appellate Process389
4
Summary--Part B393
3
Key Terms396
1
Review Questions--Part B396
1
Practice Exam--Part B397
4
Legal Lingo401
1
Legal Logistics401
1
A Trip to the Movies402
1
Internet Inquiries403
2
Criminal Law and Procedure
405
68
Overview of Fourth Amendment Search and Seizure Law
406
1
Arrest and Search Warrants
407
1
Case: Minnesota v. Dickerson
411
4
Booking and Initial Appearance
419
2
Preliminary Hearing and Grand Jury Indictment
421
1
Ethical Etiquette: Candor in Advocacy
424
1
Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel
425
2
Paralegals in the Practice of Criminal Law
427
8
Recess427
1
Summary--Part A427
2
Key Terms429
1
Review Questions--Part A429
1
Practice Exam--Part A430
5
Mens Rea435
2
Actus Reus437
1
Causation438
1
Gradation of Offenses
438
2
Crimes Against People438
1
Crimes Against Property439
1
Crimes Against the Government439
1
Crimes Against the Public Order439
1
Use of Force440
1
Duress and Necessity441
1
Infancy441
1
Intoxication442
1
Insanity442
1
Entrapment443
2
Bonus Pointers: Victim Rights
447
1
Indeterminate vs. Determinate Sentencing448
1
Presumptive Sentencing448
1
Federal Sentencing Guidelines449
1
Bonus Pointers: Myth of Leniency
450
1
Philosophy of Punishment
451
3
Retribution451
1
Deterrence452
1
Rehabilitation452
1
Incapacitation453
1
Bonus Pointers: Cost of Imprisonment
454
1
Alternatives to Incarceration
454
1
Bonus Pointers: Restorative Justice
455
1
Bonus Pointers: Victimization in Prison
457
1
Ethical Etiquette: Admission to the Bar
458
1
Summary--Part B460
1
Key Terms461
1
Review Questions--Part B461
1
Practice Exam--Part B462
5
Legal Lingo467
1
Legal Logistics468
2
A Trip to the Movies470
1
Internet Inquiries471
1
End Notes471
2
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Tribal Court Advocacy and Administrative Law
473
52
Forms of Arbitration475
1
Bonus Pointers: American Arbitration Association (AAA)
476
3
Arbitration Process477
1
Role of the Paralegal477
2
Types of Mediation479
1
Mediation Process480
2
Role of the Paralegal482
1
Bonus Pointers: Skills of Effective Mediators
482
1
Ethical Etiquette: Ethical Rules for Mediators
483
1
Role of the Paralegal
484
1
Role of the Paralegal
486
1
Bright and Dark Side of ADR
488
2
Bonus Pointers: Quality Control
490
8
Recess491
1
Summary--Part A491
2
Key Terms493
1
Review Questions--Part A493
1
Practice Exam--Part A494
4
Tribal Court Advocacy
498
2
Administrative Agencies
500
1
Examples of Administrative Agencies501
1
Limitations on Administrative Agencies
502
2
Administrative Law Judges
504
1
Administrative Adjudicatory Hearings
504
2
Case: Ferguson v. Arizona Department of Economic Security
506
1
Example of Administrative Procedures
507
2
Research of Administrative Law
509
3
Code of Federal Regulations509
1
Federal Register510
1
Information About Administrative Agencies511
1
Publication of Administrative Decisions511
1
Investigative Actions
512
1
Role of the Paralegal
513
1
Ethical Etiquette: Paralegal Representation of Clients in Administrative Agencies
514
1
Bonus Pointers: Workers' Compensation
514
1
Summary--Part B516
1
Key Terms517
1
Review Questions--Part B517
1
Practice Exam--Part B518
2
Legal Lingo520
1
Legal Logistics521
1
A Trip to the Movies521
1
Internet Inquiries522
3
Uniform Commercial Code
526
2
Elements of a Contract
528
5
Offer528
2
Acceptance530
1
Consideration531
2
Contract Interpretation
533
1
Case: Frigaliment Importing Co. v. B.N.S. International Sale Corp.
534
4
Alternatives to Performance
538
3
Lack of Capacity to Contract546
1
Illegal Contracts546
1
Bonus Pointers: Bad Faith
547
15
No Meeting of the Minds548
1
Writing Requirements548
1
Warranties548
4
Recess552
1
Summary--Part A552
2
Key Terms554
1
Review Questions--Part A555
1
Practice Exam--Part A556
6
Overview of Business Organizations
562
3
Sole Proprietorship562
1
General Partnership562
1
Limited Partnership562
1
Corporation563
1
Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs)564
1
General Partnerships565
1
Limited Partnerships566
2
Nature of a Corporation568
1
Ethical Etiquette: Attorney-Client Privilege for Corporations
568
4
Incorporation Process569
1
Financing a Corporation570
2
Ethical Etiquette: Business Transactions with Clients
572
1
Bonus Pointers: Bankruptcy
574
1
Case: Santiago v. Phoenix Newspapers, Inc.
577
5
Role of the Paralegal
582
1
Summary--Part B583
2
Key Terms585
1
Review Questions--Part B585
1
Practice Exam--Part B586
5
Legal Lingo591
1
Legal Logistics592
2
A Trip to the Movies594
1
Internet Inquiries595
1
Endnotes596
1
Entering into Marriage
598
1
Marriage Contracts That Are Void or Voidable
598
2
Premarital Agreements
600
1
Postnuptial Agreements
601
1
Bonus Pointers: Domestic Violence
603
1
Grounds for Dissolution of Marriage
604
1
Ethical Etiquette: Potential Conflicts of Interest in Family Law
605
1
Case: Gastineau v. Gastineau
609
10
Recess613
1
Summary--Part A613
1
Key Terms614
1
Review Questions--Part A615
1
Practice Exam--Part A615
4
Bonus Pointers: Child Abuse and Neglect
621
1
Bonus Pointers: Tax Law
624
1
Child Support Enforcement
625
1
Bonus Pointers: Paternity Actions
626
1
Role of the Paralegal
629
1
Summary--Part B632
1
Key Terms632
1
Review Questions--Part B633
1
Practice Exam--Part B633
2
Legal Lingo635
1
Legal Logistics636
1
A Trip to the Movies637
1
Internet Inquiries637
1
Endnotes638
1
Real Estate and Probate Law
639
58
Bonus Pointers: Emerging Legal Specialties
640
1
Bonus Pointers: Intellectual Property Law
641
2
Limits on the Use of property643
2
Unreasonable Use of property645
1
Case: Wood v. Picillo
646
3
Bonus Pointers: Environmental Law
649
2
Shared Ownership of property
651
1
Sale of Real Property
656
1
Real Estate Contracts656
1
Bonus Pointers: Legal Descriptions of Property
657
3
Title Searches and Title Insurance657
2
Real Estate Closings659
1
Ethical Etiquette: Real Estate Closings
660
1
Ethical Etiquette: Intentional Misrepresentation
661
1
Role of the Paralegal
664
12
Recess664
1
Summary--Part A664
2
Key Terms666
1
Review Questions--Part A666
1
Practice Exam--Part A667
5
Dying Without a Will672
2
Wills674
2
Ethical Etiquette: Paralegal Supervision of Will Execution
676
1
Case: Troyer v. Plackett
677
2
Ethical Etiquette: Attorney/Paralegal as Beneficiary of Will
679
1
Bonus Pointers: Living Wills
679
1
Role of the Paralegal
685
1
Bonus Pointers: Elder Law
685
2
Summary--Part B688
1
Key Terms689
1
Review Questions--Part B689
1
Practice Exam--Part B689
3
Legal Lingo692
2
Legal Logistics694
1
A Trip to the Movies694
1
Internet Inquiries695
1
Endnotes695
2
Afterword by the Authors
697
2
Appendix A: Answers to Putting It Into Practice Questions and Practice Exams
699
40
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