Course Description
Students of the law are often initially overwhelmed by the prevalence of legal jargon known as legalese. The legal profession, perhaps more than any other, uses a vocabulary that is incomprehensible to the uninitiated.
This course is designed to quickly educate the student to be familiar with the basic terminology of the legal profession. The course is divided into modules, each of which is dedicated to one are of the law. Modules include real estate, probate, litigation, bankruptcy, and criminal and tort law. In each module, the student learns the meaning and use of the common legal terms in that area of the law. If you have ever wondered what it means to move for summary judgment, if you don''t know the difference between a mortgagor and a mortgagee, if a writ of habeas corpus means no more to you than res judicata then this course is for you!
Course Outline
Reading Assignments:
Reading assignments are given weekly from the provided textbooks. Reading is also assigned from the supplementary course documents as listed below.
Supplementary Course Documents:
- Terms Used in Criminal Law
- Terms Used in Law of Torts
- Terms Used in Law of Contracts
- Terms Used in Law of Personal Property and Agency
- Terms Used in Practice and Procedure
- Terms Used in Law of Wills and Estates
- Terms Used in Law of Real Property
- Terms Used in Family Law
- Terms Used in Law of Negotiable Instruments
- Terms Used in Business Organization and Bankruptcy
- Westlaw Guide
Discussion Topics
Discussions are a mandatory part of the course and make up 15% of the total grade given.
The topics for this course are as follows:
- Choose the Correct Synonym
- Fill in the Blanks
- Surrogate Law Terms
- Business Law Terms #1
- Business Related Terms #2
- Commercial Law Terms
- Family Law Terms
- Real Property Law
- Bankruptcy Law Terms
- Your Choice
- Legal Ethics Terms
Practical Assignment (required):
The Practical Assignment is posted at the beginning of Week Three and due by the end of that week.
Quizzes and Tests
All students are required to take a final test during the final week of the course. Tests are administered in the online classroom, and all answers must be submitted by the last day of class.
Grading:
Grading is calculated as follows:
| Quiz | 50% of final grade |
| Practical Assignments | 35% of final grade |
| Participation on Discussion Boards | 15% of final grade |
| 100% Total |
More Information
| Language | English |
| Course Length | 84.00 hours |
| Duration of Access | 2 mos |
| Instructor | TBA |
| Vendor | Washington Online Institute (Read more about Washington Online Institute accreditation.) |
| Course Certification | Certificate |
| Prerequisites/Audience | HS Diploma/GED |
| Requirements/Materials Included | Textbook Required and Included in Course Cost |