Department:    PARLG

 Course #:    112

 Credits:    4

 Variable:     No

 Course Description  

Introduction to factual investigation through witness interviews and other investigative techniques; analyzing elements of a claim; use of experts; exploring available evidence; procedures for obtaining clear statements; management of files and evidence; additional legal applications of computer word processing; introduction to computer database management.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: PARLG 100 with a minimum 2.0 grade or equivalent with department chair permission.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree, Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the role and appropriate characteristics of the interviewer.
2. Identify various sources of different kinds of factual information typically exploited by the investigative paralegal.
3. Prepare a written story outline based on available evidence.
4. Prepare a written “evidence marshalling” outline, including a discussion of factual and legal theories and possible sources of additional evidence.
5. Prepare a written report/memo about an interview of a witness or other factual investigative efforts.
6. Develop both broad and narrow interview questions.
7. Evaluate the amount of investigation a case requires (is there insurance coverage; is the opposing party liable; is the opposing party judgment proof, etc.)
8. Maintain an organized case file.
9. Use computer technology to organize and manage case information.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.1 Determine the extent of information needed.
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.
1.4 Evaluate issues (for example economic, legal, historic, social) surrounding the use of information.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.1 Recognize, read, and comprehend academic and/or professional writing.
3.3 Demonstrate effective listening skills.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

1. Fact investigation in perspective.
2. Role of the paralegal investigator.
3. Analyzing and planning the investigation.
4. Outline “system” for evidence analysis.
5. Hypothetical case
6. Case file.
7. Motivating witnesses.
8. Purposes/stages of interview process.
9. Chronological time lines.
10. Videotaped student interviews of witness.
11. Video replay and “de-briefing.”
12. Using a “system” – evidence marshalling.
13. Outlines.
14. Determining factual elements of theory.
15. Rebuttal evidence.
16. Identifying the legal/factual theories.
17. Use of expert witnesses.
18. Theory development questioning.
19. Expert interview (in class).
20. Videotaped student interviews.
21. Video replay and wrap-up.