LAWS 1000 – Introduction to Law Enforcement - 3 Credits

This course will examine the history and philosophy of the role of police in society. It surveys organizational structures and basic procedures of police work, police ethics and major problems confronting the law enforcement profession. Students will examine international, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, identifying the origin, jurisdiction, mission and functions of each.  Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1010 – Criminal Law - 3 Credits

A study of crimes from early English common law to modern American criminal law including common law and statutory offenses. Criminal intent, criminal act and causation are thoroughly analyzed. General definitions of crimes, classifications of crimes, parties to crimes and common defenses such as insanity and self-defense are considered. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1020 – Administration of Justice - 3 Credits

An overview of the criminal justice system including an examination of the organization and jurisdiction of federal, state and local courts and law enforcement agencies. The arrest, arraignment, plea, preliminary hearing, bail, grand and petit jury proceedings, verdict, sentence and petitions for new trial are studied together with the jurisdiction of the courts on all levels. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1030 – Criminalistics I - 3 Credits

An introduction to the field of criminalistics including the application of technological advances to crime prevention. The student is offered the opportunity to study the application of various laboratory methods and techniques from members of the Chemistry Department and police scientists and to utilize the physical and natural sciences in the collection and evaluation of evidence. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1040 – Criminalistics II - 3 Credits

A continuation of Criminalistics I, this course includes the following topics: rape, advanced latent fingerprint techniques, crime scene search, police photography, homicide investigation and handwriting analysis. The student must have or have access to a 35mm camera. (Prerequisite: LAWS 1030) Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1050 – Police Supervision - 3 Credits

A course designed to consider supervisory problems and concepts within police organizations, and the equating of sound principles of human relations and supervisory techniques to effective police performance. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1060 – Community Policing - 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of community policing. The course focuses on the history, philosophy and strategies used to establish positive relationships between the community and the police in a complex society. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1070 – Basic Law for the Health Professions (formerly LAWS 8050) - 1 Credit

This course is designed to familiarize students with the body of law governing workers and their patients in health care settings. Topics include risk minimization, medical malpractice, disciplinary procedures, professional rights and responsibilities regarding confidentiality and recordkeeping, and informed consent. Lecture: 1 hour

LAWS 1080 – Introduction to Paralegal Studies - 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide an overview of the functions of paralegals/legal assistants within the legal environment. It will include material on the organization and structure of law firms, legal ethics, organization of the government entities and the court system (federal and state); various types of legal practice; and use of computers in the legal environment. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 1090 – Criminal Procedure in Rhode Island Courts - 3 Credits

Criminal Procedure in Rhode Island Courts is a detailed explanation and examination of criminal procedure in the Rhode Island courts, from charging of crimes through trial, judgment and appeal, arrest and search warrants, bail and probation violation including presentation, arraignment, bail, preliminary hearing, discovery, pretrial motions and post conviction relief. The various methods and distinctions between misdemeanor criminal complaints, information and Grand Jury indictment are compared and contrasted as is the procedure in Providence and the outlying counties, including "PAC" and felony screening, daily criminal calendar in Courtroom No. 9, as well as trial procedure and the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence. The course will emphasize the practice of the principles of criminal justice which are currently taught in Administration of Justice. (Prerequisite: Laws 1020) Lecture 3 hours

LAWS 1100 – Interpretation & Translation (Spanish) I - 6 Credits

Class will incorporate English/Spanish simultaneous and consecutive interpreting modes, written and sight translation, the code of professional responsibility for interpreters in the judiciary, and regional differences in language and culture. New vocabulary will be introduced in every class, reinforced by class activities such as outside speakers from the judicial and legal profession, role playing, interpreting audio and video tapes and translating legal forms. A significant amount of classroom time will be spent practicing, listening, interpreting and translating and sharpening both short-term and long-term memory skills. (Prerequisite: England proficiency determined by placement testing) Lecture: 5 hours

LAWS 1110 – Interpretation & Translation (Spanish) II -6 Credits

Class to incorporate advanced level of English/Spanish simultaneous and consecutive interpreting modes and written and sight translation in more complex settings. Advanced vocabulary will be introduced in every class reinforced by class activities such as outside speakers from the judicial and legal profession, role playing, interpreting audio and video tapes and translating legal forms. A significant amount of classroom time will be spent practicing, listening, interpreting and translating and sharpening both short-term and long-term memory skills. (Prerequisite: LAWS 1100) Lecture: 5 hours

LAWS 2000 – Constitutional Law - 3 Credits

A view of the role of the Supreme Court in its interpretation of the United States Constitution. Areas to be scrutinized include judicial review, federalism, civil liberties and the Bill of Rights (through the 14th Amendment) as it applies to the states.  Case and Text Methods: 3 hours

LAWS 2010 – Law of Evidence - 3 Credits

A study of the body of rules governing the admissibility of evidence at trial. The nature of evidence; circumstantial and direct evidence; testimonial, documentary and real evidence; hearsay and the exceptions thereto; the presentation of evidence and the rules on relevancy; and lastly, competency, credibility and impeachment of witnesses are examined. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 2020 – Basic Civil Procedures for Paralegals - 3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce the legal concepts and the practical applications of civil litigation using the Rules of Civil Procedure as used in the Federal and State Court systems. The course will cover: the court system; jurisdiction and venue; pleadings (complaints, answers, counterclaims and cross-claims; discovery–interrogatories and depositions); trial procedure and court-annexed arbitration; and appellate practice. (Prerequisite: LAWS 1020 and LAWS 1080 or permission of instructor) Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 2030 – Criminal Law and the Constitution - 3 Credits

Consideration and analysis of the most significant and recent Supreme Court decisions as they pertain to the rights of the accused in the areas of arrest, search and seizure, interrogation, and right to assistance of counsel. Case and Text Method: 3 hours

LAWS 2040 – Law and Society - 3 Credits

This course consists of a study of adjudicated cases involving the leading social issues affecting society today and the impact such adjudications have had upon that society. Stress will be placed upon the relationship of law to social values and morals. The delicate balance between the interests of society and individual rights will be scrutinized, and the students' views as to the maintenance of the balance will be evaluated in the light of the cases studied. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 2050 – Law of Contracts (formerly BUSN 2010) -3 Credits

A thorough study of the history and function of law with emphasis placed upon an understanding of legal aspects of contracts and the law of sales. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 2060 – The Law of Property, Estates and Trusts (formerly BUSN 2020) - 3 Credits

A study of the law of real and personal property with emphasis upon rights to chattels, gifts, bailments, estates, easements, adverse possession, deeds, leases, licenses, mortgages, wills and inheritance. Various types of trusts and their tax implications will be discussed. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 2070 – Law of Business Organization (formerly BUSN 2030) - 3 Credits

This course concerns itself with the law of agency and independent contractors, a survey of workers’ compensation, the law of partnerships and corporations, and the basic principles of bankruptcy proceedings. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 2080 – Commercial Paper and Secured Transactions (formerly BUSN 2040) - 3 Credits

The principles of the Uniform Commercial Code will be explored as they apply to notes, drafts, checks and certificates of deposit. The status of holders in due course, assignees and endorsers will be discussed, and the creation and perfection of the security instrument will be viewed in conjunction with the rights and duties of parties to secured transactions. Lecture: 3 hours

LAWS 2090 – Legal Research and Writing - 4 Credits

This course for Paralegal Studies majors includes coverage of material on legal research using primary legal sources (court decisions, statutes, and regulations); case digests and finding aids; secondary legal sources (encyclopedias, treatises, and annotations); and Shepard’s Citations, as well as coverage of computer-assisted legal research. The material on legal writing will cover basic writing mechanics and techniques as applied to legal documents, legal correspondence and drafting briefs and memorandums. (Prerequisites: Laws 1080 and 24 credit hours earned or permission of instructor) Lecture: 4 hours

LAWS 2100 – Law of Torts - 3 Credits

Law of Torts involves the study of civil wrongs which result in personal injury, property damage, or economic injuries. The course will deal with the areas of Negligence, Intentional Torts, Strict Liability Torts, and Damages. It will also cover the topics of Professional Malpractice, Products Liability, and Premises Liability. (Prerequisites: Laws 1020 & Laws 1080 or permission of instructor) Lecture 3 hours

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