University of Maryland University College Bachelors in Legal Studies

The legal studies major prepares students for challenging and responsible work in the legal environment. The curriculum is relevant and current for work in various legal settings that use paralegals and focuses on fundamental legal knowledge, skills, and ethical principles. The curriculum addresses the organization, function, and processes of the lawmaking institutions in the American legal system, as well as the role of the paralegal in the legal system and the governing rules of legal ethics. It emphasizes legal analysis, legal writing and drafting, legal research, and computer competence in the legal environment.

Objectives

A student who graduates with a major in legal studies will be able to:

Explain the historical development and the basic constitutional principles of the American legal system.

Compare and contrast the American legal system with other legal systems.

Discuss issues relevant to the paralegal profession.

Recognize and discuss ethical considerations involved in the practice of law.

Explain substantive concepts in selected areas of legal specialization.

Describe the procedures for settlement of civil, criminal, and administrative disputes.

Identify ways that computers assist in the legal environment.
Analyze facts, law, and legal issues.

Explain legal topics and analysis.

Complete book-based and computer-assisted legal research tasks.

Draft writings typically assigned to paralegals in selected areas of legal practice.

Perform tasks typically assigned to paralegals in selected areas of legal practice.

Use selected software to accomplish tasks in the legal environment.