Introduction to Law

Instructor: Sara Horatius, Esq.                                                                          

Email:  shoratius@rcc.mass.edu

Telephone: (617) 427-0060 ext. 95222                                                     

Throughout the semester, I will communicate with you via your RCC email account. Please review the following link for assistance on using your email account:

http://www.rcc.mass.edu/current-students/electronic-tool-box/email

COURSE DESCRIPTION

3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

This course covers the structure and function of the American legal system.  Major areas of substantive law are introduced to students.  An overview of both civil and criminal procedure is also provided.  Legal vocabulary and the process of legal analysis are emphasized.

REQUIRED TEXT

We will be using online OER materials. Links that corresponds to each topic that we will be discussing in class are posted in the schedule of reading below.

USE OF CELLPHONES AND OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM

Cell phones and other digital devices can be disruptive to the classroom learning environment.  If possible, please turn off such devices while in the class or switch the device to “vibrate” mode, where possible, so as not to disrupt the educational environment for other students.  If a student receives an emergency call during class, please leave the classroom until the call is completed.   Please feel free to approach the Instructor to discuss any special issues that may arise as a result of this classroom policy.

POLICY ON READING AND ASSIGNMENTS

It is essential that students complete all readings and assignments prior to the class in which they are to be discussed. If you miss a class, you are required to contact another student, or to see me, to obtain the next assignment so that you can be prepared for the next class.  Since class participation counts toward your final grade, failure to be prepared may result in a lowering of your grade.

NOTE: Students will be tested on all material covered in the syllabus, although some information may not be discussed in class.

TEACHING PROCEDURES

Course materials and information will be presented through assigned readings from the textbook, instructor lectures via slides and participation in class discussions, videos, handouts, writing assignments and special projects.  Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and in collaborative or group learning exercises.

ACADEMIC ETHICS

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the use of any other person’s work or ideas as though the work or ideas were your own, without giving appropriate credit.

In order to avoid a charge of plagiarism, proper citation or credit must be given to the author when a source is used on a paper or assignment.  The improper use of the work of others will not be tolerated, and may result in the student’s expulsion from the college.

Cheating

Improper actions during tests or assignments will result in the student being reported to the college administration for further action.

Students are required to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct delineated in the Roxbury Community College website and Student Handbook: http://www.rcc.mass.edu/images/stories/policies/Code_of_Conduct_and_Disciplinary_Procedures.pdf 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

NOTICE TO STUDENTS:  Attendance at all classes is mandatory.   Students who are absent from class more than six times, without an excuse satisfactory to the Instructor, or who have fallen behind the work of the class so that it is not likely the student can attain a passing grade, may be dropped from the course. 

In addition, since class attendance counts toward your final grade in this course, failure to attend class may result in a lower final grade even if you are not dropped from the course.

ASSIGNMENT AND COURSE GRADE POLICY

1.  All assignments must be completed on time unless you have obtained an extension from the Instructor for good cause. 

2.  All written assignments must be typed and spell checked unless the Instructor says otherwise. 

3.  All homework assignments and in-class exercises MUST be completed on time. 

If you have any additional questions regarding this, or any other, course policy, please see your Instructor.

COURSE GRADE

A.  Attendance                                                                                   10 points

B.  Homework assignments and in-class exercises                            35 points 

C.  Quizzes (at least 2)                                                                        30 points 

D.  Midterm Exam                                                                               50 points

E.  Final Exam                                                                                    75 points

                                                                                                           200 points/100%

* NOTE  Students who are absent for tests, quizzes or in-class assignments, without prior permission from the instructor, will not be permitted a make-up

TESTING METHODS

Tests and quizzes in this class will generally require the student to analyze fact patterns and to answer questions based upon those fact patterns.  Both the Midterm and Final exams are cumulative, that is, they will cover all materials in the course up to the date of the exam.

LEARNING ACCOMMODATION

Roxbury Community College is committed to providing all qualified college students equal access to all programs and facilities. Students who have a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability and need academic accommodations must register with the Coordinator of Disability Services, Linda O’Connor. Please contact her in Room 207C in the Academic Building; email loconnor@rcc.mass.edu; or phone 617-708-3562.

Disability Services will provide you with an Accommodation Letter to provide to faculty. You need to present and discuss these recommendations with me within a reasonable period, prior to the end of the Drop/Add period.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

RCC offers a range of student support services including Advising, Tutoring, Math Clinic, Health Services, Library, Writing Center and Language Lab. Visit the RCC website for more information: http://www.rcc.mass.edu/current-students/student-support-services/tutors

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES

When students complete this class they should:

·         Understand the structure and function of the American legal system

·         Understand and be able to use legal terminology

·         Be able to analyze a basic factual problem in light of statutory or case law

·         Be able to explain basic court procedures used in civil and criminal cases

·         Develop a basic understanding of major areas of substantive law

·         Know how to read and brief a case

·         Know how to read and analyze a statute

TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

MIDTERM EXAM