Course Outcomes

• LAWS-1000
• LAWS-1010
• LAWS-1020
• LAWS-1030
• LAWS-1040
• LAWS-1080 
• LAWS-2000
• LAWS-2010
• LAWS-2020
• LAWS-2030
• LAWS 2040
• LAWS-2050
• LAWS-2060
• LAWS-2070
• LAWS-2090
• LAWS-2100
• LAWS-2500

LAWS-1000 Introduction to Law Enforcement (3 credits)

This course examines 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 examine international, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, identifying the origin, jurisdiction, mission and functions of each. Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Explain the rich, colorful history of policing, as well the historical foundations of American policing.
• Explain the numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies their duties and responsibilities.
• Understand the basics of police operations.
• Explain organizational and managerial concepts.
• Explain the laws which govern them in the performance of their duties.
• Explain the application process.
• Discuss the liability issues and the effects of lawsuits on police officers and police agencies.

LAWS-1010 Criminal Law (3 credits)

This course is 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

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing regarding legal matters.
• Understand fundamental principles regarding the law and legal system of the United States.
• Define how crimes are categorized by type and seriousness.
• Identify how criminal law compares to other types of law.
• Give an overview of the Constitutional limits on the power of government to regulate conduct.

LAWS-1020 Criminal Procedure (3 credits)

This course presents 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

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Understand the legal concepts and terminology in procedural areas of criminal law.
• Differentiate between the jurisdiction of state, federal and local courts.
• Apply critical thinking skills in the reading and interpretation of legal materials.
• Have a basic understanding of constitutional law principles as they apply to criminal procedure.

LAWS-1030 Criminalistics I (3 credits)

This course surveys basic crime scene investigation methods. Topics include first responder duties, evidence collection and processing, photography, impression evidence, blood analysis, trace evidence, arson investigation and casting methods for impression evidence. Students complete projects involving plaster casting and crime scene sketching. A mock crime scene investigation is conducted. Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate the proper techniques of conducting a successful crime scene investigation.
• Explain the duties of the first officer on scene and understand the Fourth Amendment principles in guiding the first officer in conducting his or her duties.
• Photograph and prepare proper crime scene sketches in accordance with textbook and instructor’s methods.
• Explain and interpret blood splatter.
• Explain and interpret motor vehicle investigation and accidental reconstruction.
• Properly collect, interpret imprints and impression evidence using a variety of chemical, powders, tools and forensic means.
• Explain the many facets of trace evidence, it’s value and demonstrate collection and analytical testing methods.
• Conduct a criminal investigation and develop an arrest warrant through a mock crime scene.

LAWS-1040 Criminalistics II (3 credits)

This course is an advanced study of criminalistics. Topics include the investigation of specific crimes (sexual assault, homicide, burglary and auto theft); alcohol and drug detection; firearms investigations; advanced latent fingerprint techniques; and forensic entomology. Lecture: 3 hours 

Prerequisite(s): LAWS 1030

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Interpret and be able to classify fingerprints both latent and inked.
• Demonstrate the different types of chemicals, powders and equipment used to process a scene when searching for fingerprints.
• Demonstrate an understanding of firearms and arson investigations.
• Develop an understanding of blood typing and forensic use of DNA particularly DNA extraction.
• Understand and interpret sexual assault and domestic violence investigations including the examination of a rape kit.
• Understand and interpret the use of forensic toxicology and how it pertains to DUI investigations.
• Understand a typical narcotics investigation, the various physical and psychological effects of the various narcotics and the safety concerns of police officers who investigate these crimes.
• Explain the basis and outline the procedure of a forensic death investigation including forensic entomology, and developing a working knowledge of forensic pathology and the medical examiner’s office.

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 also include material on the organization and structure of law firms, legal ethics, various types of legal practice and use of computers in the legal environment. Background material on federal and state constitutional law, statutory law and court decisions is provided as a foundation for other law courses required in the Paralegal Studies Program. Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Describe and explain the role of the legal profession in the United States.
• Describe and explain the role of the paralegal profession as it presently exists.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of constitutional law as a foundation for Laws 2000 (Constitutional Law).
• Differentiate statutes and court decisions and also differentiate federal and state law sources.
• Docate statutes and court decisions using an online legal research service.

LAWS-2000 Constitutional Law Class (3 credits)

This class presents 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 method. Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Explain the history of the U.S. Constitution; the importance of the Constitution and the development and role of the United States Supreme Court.
• Explain and discuss the process of judicial interpretation of the Constitution and the impact of the philosophies of the individual justices on the courts decisions.
• Explain the legal terminology and concepts in the area of Constitutional Law.
• Identify and explain selected individual liberties as established by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other amendments.
• Explain and discuss historical decisions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court and to further discuss contemporary issues facing the U.S. Supreme Court today.
• Demonstrate research and computer competency along with written communications skills through the completion of a paper analyzing the judicial philosophy of individual justices.

LAWS-2010 Law of Evidence (3 credits) 

This course is 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

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the rules of evidence and the underlying rationale for each rule.
• Analyze and apply the rules on the admissibility of evidence at trial and the role of the judiciary in both civil and criminal trials.
• Compare and contrast the historical development of the rules of evidence and their effect on the modern rules of evidence.
• Compare and contrast the Federal Rules of Evidence with the R.I. Rules of Evidence.
• Develop critical thinking and improve verbal and written communication skills through the identification, interpretation, discussion and briefing (written summary) of a variety of evidentiary issues from actual criminal and civil court cases.

LAWS-2020 Basic Civil Procedure for Paralegals (3 credits)

This course introduces the legal concepts and practical applications of civil litigation using the rules of civil procedure as applied in the federal and state court systems. The course will cover the court system; jurisdiction and venue; pleadings (complaints, answers, counterclaims and cross-claims); and discovery documents (interrogatories, depositions and requests for production). Note: If students wish to register but have not completed all prerequisites, please contact the instructor for permission. Lecture: 3 hours

Prerequisite(s): LAWS 1020 and LAWS 1080

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Differentiate substantive and procedural law and explain the inter-relationship between the two areas.
• Define personal and subject matter jurisdiction involved in civil litigation matters.
• Define the area of remedies in civil litigation matters.
• Draft pleadings and discovery document in proper court format.
• Explain the role of a paralegal in civil litigation matters.

LAWS-2030 Criminal Law & the Constitution (3 credits)

This course presents a 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. Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Become familiar with and understand the legal terminology used in the area of constitutional criminal procedure.
• Identify and understand the basic constitutional principles and the application thereof on all law enforcement officers’ activities in the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of criminals.
• Understand the consequences of failure to meet constitutional standards in law enforcement activities.
• Recognize the inter-relationship of federal and state constitutional and statutory provisions and case law.
• Demonstrate both verbal and written communication skills through problem solving of actual criminal cases in the area of arrest, search and seizure.

LAWS-2040 Law and Society (3 credits)

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

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Explain the relationship between the law and morality in connection with both society and the legal system.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in learning to use the legal approach to problems solving with respect to leading social and legal issues our society faces including, but not limited to such topics as gun control, abortion, drugs, right to die and the death penalty.
• Comprehend and develop an appreciation for both sides of the major social and legal issues addressed in this course along with balancing the interests of society and the rights of the individual.
• Compete and collaborate with other students in defending either side of an argument on any issue related to law and society and lastly, to develop oral and written communication skills in the process.

LAWS-2050 Law of Contracts (3 credits)

This course studies the legal rules, concepts and terminology relating to voluntary agreements entered into for the provision of services or the sale of property. The areas included are agreement, consideration, contractual capacity, legality, genuineness of assent and legal form. Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Explain the legal terminology used in the area of contract law.
• Apply the basic concepts of contract law to hypothetical situations.
• Analyze consumer protection issues that surface in areas such as Identity Theft, Credit Cards, PayDay Loans, and Rent-to Own Centers.
• Interpret the provisions of an existing contract of the student choosing using the essential elements of contract law.

LAWS-2060 Law of Property, Estates, and Trusts (3 credits)

This course studies the laws of real property, personal property and decedent's estates. Topics to be covered include definitions of real and personal property; the ownership and transfer of real estate (concurrent ownership, deeds, mortgages and leases); and the areas of gifts, wills, inheritance laws, probate and trusts.
Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Distinguish real property, personal property, and fixtures.
• Comprehend the legal terms and concepts in the areas of wills, trust, and probate.
• Describe the process of administering a decedent’s estate.
• Explain the various parts of a mortgage and the mortgage foreclosure process.
• Identify the different types of powers of attorney and distinguish them from a living will.

LAWS-2070 Law of Business Organizations (3 credits) 

This course covers the law of agency (principal-agent relationships and independent contractors), federal and state employment law and the law regarding legal forms of business (sole proprietorships, partnerships of various kinds, corporations and limited liability companies). Lecture: 3 hours

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Describe the three different relationship that could be created under the law of agency.
• Explain the various factors that go into the choice of a business form.
• Distinguish general partnerships from limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships.
• Compare and contrast limited liability companies, “S” corporations, and “C” corporations.
• Be able to research employment law issues on the internet and government websites.

LAWS-2090 Legal Research and Writing (3 credits) 

This course for Paralegal Studies majors covers legal research using primary sources (statutes, court decisions, and regulations); case digests and finding aids; secondary legal sources (encyclopedias, treatises and annotations); and citators (Shepard's Citations and WestLaw's KeyCite). Emphasis is on legal research using computer-assisted legal research (CALR) tools. Students are expected to complete a full legal research project and write a legal memorandum. Note: Students must have earned 24 credit hours or receive the permission of instructor to register for this course. Lecture: 4 hours

Prerequisite(s): LAWS 1080

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Effectively use the internet and online services for legal research purposes.
• Research federal and state constitutions and statutes.
• Research federal and state court decisions and regulations.
• Write a law office memorandum that accurately and objectively reflect the results of a research project.
• Brief a court decision to provide a summary of the case to a lawyer.

LAWS-2100 Law of Torts (3 credits) 

Law of Torts involves the study of civil wrongs that result in personal injury, property damage or economic injuries. This course deals with areas of negligence, intentional torts and strict liability torts. It will also cover topics of professional malpractice, products liability and premises liability. Note: If students wish to register but have not completed all prerequisites, please contact the instructor for permission. Lecture: 3 hours

Prerequisite(s): LAWS 1020 or LAWS 1080

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Identify and distinguish negligent, intentional, and strict liability torts.
• Differentiate fault-based torts from vicarious and statutory liability torts.
• Define the rules for products liability, premises liability, and emotional distress torts.
• Analyze court decisions that set forth and change the law of torts.
• Explain the defenses available in tort cases, especially assumption of the risk.

LAWS-2500 Case Studies in Criminal Law (3 credits) 

This capstone course in the Law Enforcement program will integrate the material covered in prior classes in the areas of substantive criminal law, criminal procedural law, crime scene investigation, evidentiary law and constitutional law related to law enforcement. Students will work on and write reports on two case studies based upon comprehensive case files. These case files will include documents that would be involved in an actual criminal case such as bills of indictment, police reports, witness statements, forensic reports, search warrant affidavits and inventories, transcripts of court hearings involving the case and the substantive criminal laws that may apply to the facts of the case. Note: If students wish to register but have not completed all prerequisites, please contact the instructor for permission. Lecture: 3 hours

Prerequisite(s): LAWS 1010 and LAWS 1020 and LAWS 1030 and LAWS 2010 and LAWS 2030

As a result of taking this course, students will be able to do the following:

• Write clear, effective, and conventional English in the preparation of written assignments so that students will be capable of maintaining proper notes and written reports in the performance of their future jobs.
• Apply critical thinking skills in the reading and interpretation of legal materials (statues, court decisions, etc.).
• Understand the legal concepts and terminology in substantive areas of criminal law.
• Have a basic knowledge of procedural rules and evidentiary rules and understand the relationship between procedural rules and substantive law.
• Demonstrate a solid grasp of constitutional law principles as they relate to law enforcement, and in particular search and seizure law, the law on confessions, and the law on assistance of counsel.
• Have a thorough knowledge of crime scene investigation and demonstrate knowledge of forensics by law enforcement agencies used in criminal investigations.