This course provides an overview of the application of technology in the legal setting. Students learn the basics of computer hardware and software as well as purchase considerations. A major emphasis is placed on legal word processing and its applications in pleadings and correspondence. Telecommunications, computer assisted legal research, Internet, and other technology utilized in the law office are explored. Students are required to take this course prior to PL 106. (3 credits)

Students will gain a basic understanding of the applications of technology in the law office.

Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to

1. Describe and explain, using computer terminology, the basic operation of the computer and familiarity with its general use in the law office (Academic Outcomes: communication, critical thinking)
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a personal computer for creating legal documents. Software includes Microsoft Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) and Windows operating system (Academic Outcomes: communication, critical thinking)

3. Apply computer technology to litigation through the use of docket (Summation Blaze) and litigation support software (Abacus) including spreadsheets (Academic Outcomes: communication, critical thinking)
4. Apply computer technology in litigation support and case management through the use of timekeeping and billing software (Timeslips) (Academic Outcomes: communication, critical thinking)
5. Utilize other forms of legal office technology including telecommunications and reproductive systems including the Internet and the use of scanners (Academic Outcomes: communication, critical thinking, information literacy)
6. Perform research tasks through computer assisted legal research (CALR) databases (LEXIS, WESTLAW) (Academic Outcomes: information literacy, critical thinking)

Interactive lecture, demonstration, cooperative learning, discussion, computer assignments and case studies.

A = 90-100% 360-400 points

B = 80-89% 320-356 points

C = 70-79% 280-319 points

D = 60-69% 240-279 points

F = below 60%

• DUE DATES:

• FEDERAL CREDIT HOUR DEFINITION: "An amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or . . ." (See 34 CFR 600.2; bold added)

• STUDENT SERVICES

• DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES:

• CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

• Turn off or otherwise silence cell phones while in class
• Absolutely no text messaging or talking on phones while in class
• Respect the rights of other students to speak – when someone has the floor, wait until that person has completed his or her statements before responding
• Refrain from extended side conversations with others while in class once the class begins
• If before class you know you must leave in the middle of class, please notify the instructor before class begins you will be leaving before the end of the class
• Freedom of expression is encouraged in the classroom. HCC Student Code provides "students shall have the right to express any views pertinent to the subject matter of the course"
• Students should respect the right of others to express their ideas and opinions
• According to the Student Code, the following are disruptive sanctionable behaviors at HCC: "acting in a manner disruptive or disturbing to the normal educational functions" and "verbal abuse". Students will be familiar with and adhere to the policies and sanctions governing student conduct as written in the HCC Catalog

• CIVILITY:

• CHANGES IN POLICIES AND SYLLABUS:

• CLASS PREPARATION:

• Computer assignments must be identified with student name, project/lab or case number, and assignment (For example: Mary Smith, Word Lab 1)
• Only printed assignments must be submitted. Discs will be checked at midterm and final exam times
• If an assignment has multiple pages, then staple them together. Do not use paper clips and do not staple different assignments together
• Disorganized assignments (pages out of order, mislabeled, unreadable, etc.) will receive a grade of zero. If there are multiple sheets to be handed in, then sequence them according to the order you were told to print them in the exercise.

• IMPORTANT DATES:
  • Jan 25 - Spring Semester Begins (15 week)
  • Feb 1 - 100% Refund deadline for 15-week classes
  • Apr 15 - Withdrawal deadline for 15-week classes
  • Mar 21 - No classes, College Closed
  • May 2 - Final Exam

Week 1 01/25/12 Technology in the Law Office Chapter 1

Week 2 02/01/12 Legal Ethics in a Technology Age Chapter 2

Computer Hardware and Software Chapter 3

Week 3 02/08/12 The Internet and Electronic Mail Chapter 4

Electronic Research Chapter 5

Week 4 02/15/12 Word Processing Chapter 6

Week 5 02/22/12 Electronic Spreadsheets Chapter 7

Electronic Databases Chapter 8

Week 6 02/29/12 MIDTERM

Week 7 03/07/12 Office Management Software Chapter 10

Week 8 03/14/12 Case Organization and Management Software Chapter 11

Week 9 03/21/12 NO CLASS – COLLEGE CLOSED

Week 10 03/28/12 Tabs3

Week 11 04/04/12 Electronic Discovery – The Fundamentals Chapter 12

Electronic Discovery – Rules and Procedures Chapter 13

Week 12 04/11/12 Litigation Support Chapter 14

Week 13 04/18/12 Presentation and Trial Graphics Chapter 15

Week 14 04/25/12 The Electronic Courthouse Chapter 16

Week 15 05/02/12 FINAL EXAM