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The Basics of Paralegal Studies

by: Goodrich, David Lee

The Basics of Paralegal Studies

by: Goodrich, David Lee

ISBN 13:
9780131121461
ISBN 10:
0131121464
Edition: 4th
Format: Paperback
Copyright: 05/09/2003
Publisher: Pearson

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Summary

The intent is to provide not only an overview of the legal principles in a variety of areas of the law, but also to give a practical introduction to the kinds of duties and responsibilities that may face a paralegal in the workplace.Sufficiently comprehensive coverage of the sources of law, the courts system, basic legal terminology, legal research, civil law and discovery, criminal law, real estate, decedents' estates, domestic relations, and contracts.Specifically written for people who would like to know more about paralegal assisting or general subject areas of the law, but have little background in the area.

Preface

xix

Acknowledgments

xxi

CHAPTER 1 Introduction

(33)

1-1 What Is a Paralegal?

(3)

A. Definition

(2)

B. Key Components of the Definition

(2)

1. Qualified by Education, Training, or Work Experience

(1)

2. Employed or Retained by a Lawyer, Law Office, Corporation, Governmental Agency, or Other Entity

(1)

3. Specifically Delegated Substantive Legal Work Is to Be Performed

(1)

4. The Attorney Bears Responsibility for the Legal Assistant's Work

(1)

1-2 Why Do Attorneys and Other Employers Use Paralegals?

(1)

1-3 What Functions Do Paralegals Perform?

(4)

A. Real Estate

(1)

B. Probate and Estate Planning

(1)

C. Personal Injury

(1)

D. Criminal Law

(1)

E. Family Law

(1)

F. Corporate Law

(1)

1-4 Where Are the Employment Opportunities?

(2)

A. Private Law Firms

(1)

B. U.S. or State Prosecutors' and Public Defenders' Offices

(1)

C. Banks, Insurance Companies, and Other Corporations

(1)

D. The Government

(1)

E. Legal Aid Offices

(1)

F. Freelance Opportunities

(1)

G. Real Estate and Title Companies

(1)

H. Hospitals and Health Care Organizations

(1)

1-5 Sources of Law, the Relationship Between Those Sources, and the Effect of a Veto

(7)

A. Sources of Law

(4)

1. Statutes

(1)

2. Constitutions

(1)

a. U.S. Constitution

(1)

b. State constitutions

(1)

3. Administrative Regulations

(1)

4. Treaties, Executive Orders, and the Like

(1)

5. Case Law

(2)

a. Mandatory precedent

(1)

b. Persuasive precedent

(1)

B. Relationship Between the Sources of Law

(2)

1. The Statute Is Declared Unconstitutional

(1)

a. The legislation is modified

(1)

b. The Constitution is amended

(1)

2. The Statute Is Upheld

(1)

a. The possibility of a pardon for the defendant

(1)

C. Effect of a Veto

(1)

1-6 The Court System

(5)

A. The Role of Trial and Appellate Courts

(1)

1. Trial Courts

(1)

2. Appellate Courts

(1)

B. The State and Federal Court Systems

(4)

1. The State Court System

(1)

a. The various levels in the state court system

(1)

(1) Courts of original jurisdiction

(1)

(a) Courts not of record

(1)

(b) Courts of general jurisdiction

(1)

(2) The middle-level appellate courts

(1)

(3) The highest-level appellate court

(1)

b. Selection of judges

(1)

2. The Federal Court System

(3)

a. Federal jurisdiction

(1)

b. The three levels of federal courts

(1)

(1) The U.S. District Courts

(1)

(2) The U.S. Courts of Appeal

(1)

(3) The U.S. Supreme Court

(2)

c. Selection of judges

(1)

1-7 Civil versus Criminal Law

(4)

A. Two Important Divisions of the Law

(3)

1. Civil

(2)

a. Law

(1)

b. Equity

(1)

2. Criminal

(3)

a. Felonies

(1)

b. Misdemeanors

(1)

B. Civil and Criminal Cases Based on the Same Facts

(1)

1-8 Basic Terminology

(5)

A. Plaintiff

(1)

B. Defendant

(1)

C. State Attorney or District Attorney

(1)

D. Public Defender

(1)

E. The Office of Legal Aid

(1)

F. Clerk of the Court

(1)

G. Bailiff

(1)

H. Jurisdiction

(1)

1. Original Jurisdiction

(1)

2. Appellate Jurisdiction

(1)

I. Venue

(3)

CHAPTER 2 The Reading and Briefing of Cases

(45)

2-1 Locating a Case and Understanding Its Basic Components

(5)

A. Locating Cases

(1)

B. The Basic Components of a Reported Case

(5)

1. The Style

(1)

2. The Docket Number

(3)

3. The Name of the Court Rendering the Decision

(1)

4. The Date of the Present Court Decision

(1)

5. A Brief Summary of the Case

(1)

6. A Notation of Concurring and Dissenting Opinions

(1)

7. Headnotes

(1)

8. The Names of the Attorneys Involved in the Appeal

(1)

9. The Name of the Justice Writing for the Majority Opinion

(1)

10. The Body of the Decision

(1)

11. The Names of All Justices Joining in the Majority Opinion

(1)

12. Concurring and Dissenting Opinions

(1)

2-2 Briefing a Case

(8)

A. Format #1

(5)

1. The Case Name and Citation

(1)

2. The Remedy

(1)

a. Examples

(1)

(1) Damages

(1)

(2) Prohibitory injunction

(1)

(3) Mandatory injunction

(1)

(4) Order of specific performance

(1)

b. The need for brevity

(1)

c. The absence of a remedy in criminal cases

(1)

3. The Cause of Action

(1)

a. Examples

(1)

(1) Negligence

(1)

(2) Breach of contract

(1)

(3) Defamation

(1)

(4) Infliction of mental distress

(1)

(5) False imprisonment

(1)

(6) Any act constituting a crime

(1)

b. The need for brevity

(1)

4. The Facts

(1)

a. Avoidance of excessive or insufficient facts

(1)

b. Avoidance of confusing names

(1)

5. The Procedural History

(1)

6. The Issue

(2)

a. Caution with regard to "given issues"

(1)

b. Key questions to consider when formulating an issue

(1)

(1) Are both procedural and substantive issues to be examined?

(1)

(2) Will the answer to the issue have applicability to future cases?

(1)

(3) Does the question call for a "yes or no" answer?

(1)

7. The Finding

(1)

8. The Reason

(1)

B. Format #2

(3)

1. The Case Name and Citation

(1)

2. The Lower Court Procedure

(1)

3. The Facts

(1)

4. The Issue

(1)

a. Motion for a summary judgment

(1)

b. Motion for a judgment on the pleadings

(1)

c. Motion to dismiss with prejudice

(1)

d. Motion to suppress

(1)

e. Improper jury instructions

(1)

5. The Holding

(1)

6. The Reasoning

(1)

2-3 Examples of Briefs

(30)

A. Smith v. Jones

(2)

1. A Format #1 Brief

(1)

2. Comments Concerning the Brief

(1)

a. An orderly format

(1)

b. The identification of the plaintiff and the defendant

(1)

c. The identification of the remedy and the cause of action

(1)

d. The framing of the issue for general applicability

(1)

e. Focus on the primary issue

(1)

f. Avoidance of unaddressed causes of action

(1)

B. Tovenes v. State

(3)

1. A Format #1 Brief

(1)

C. State v. Gleason

(26)

1. A Format #1 Brief

(1)

2. A Format #2 Brief

(22)

CHAPTER 3 Legal Analysis

(18)

3-1 In General

(1)

3-2 Basic Format

(3)

A. Statute

(1)

B. Facts

(1)

C. Question

(1)

D. Analysis

(3)

1. Subdivision of the Statute into Elements

(1)

a. Some elements must be stated in the alternative

(1)

b. Language pertaining to penalties is not generally included

(1)

c. The subdivision of the statute does not depend on the facts of any given case

(1)

2. Application of the Facts to Each Element

(1)

E. Conclusion

(1)

3-3 Analysis of Hypothetical Facts in Relationship to Specific Statutes

(14)

A. Former N.Y PENAL LAW § 1294 (McKinney 1994)

(2)

B. PENAL LAW § 1053-c

(1)

C. Mo. REV STAT. § 305.090 (2002)

(2)

D. S.C. CODE ANN. § 16-17-520 (Law. Co-op. 2001)

(2)

E. KY. REV STAT. ANN. § 525.110(a) (Michie 2001)

(2)

F. MICH. COMP. LAWS ANN. § 750.197c(1) (West 2002)

(5)

CHAPTER 4 Legal Research

(57)

4-1 Introduction

(1)

4-2 Primary and Secondary Authority

(1)

4-3 Four Basic State Research Tools

100

(22)

A. The State and Regional Reporters

100

(4)

1. Division of the Reporter System by Region

101

(1)

2. Manner of Citation

102

(1)

a. Case name

102

(1)

b. Volume number

102

(1)

c. Identification of the set of books containing the case

102

(1)

d. Page number

102

(1)

e. Information in parentheses

102

(1)

3. Chronological Organization

103

(1)

4. Updated with Advance Sheets

103

(1)

5. Special State Editions of the Regional Reporters

104

(1)

B. The State Statutes Annotated

104

(6)

1. Examples in Various States

109

(1)

2. Manner of Citation

109

(1)

3. Numerical Organization

109

(1)

4. Updated with Pocket Parts

109

(1)

5. Special Volumes

110

(1)

a. Rules of procedure

110

(1)

b. The state constitution

110

(1)

c. The State Bar and Judiciary Rules

110

(1)

C. The State Encyclopedias

110

(7)

1. Examples in Various States

111

(1)

2. Never Cited

111

(1)

3. Alphabetical Organization

111

(1)

4. Updated with Pocket Parts

111

(1)

5. Special Volumes

111

(6)

a. Code Research Guide

111

(3)

b. Legal and Business Forms

114

(1)

c. Table of Cases and Numeric Case Names

114

(3)

D. The State Digests

117

(5)

1. Examples in Various States

118

(1)

2. Never Cited

118

(1)

3. Alphabetical Organization

118

(2)

4. Updated with Pocket Parts

120

(1)

5. Special Volumes

120

(2)

a. The Table of Cases

120

(1)

b. The Descriptive-Word Index

120

(1)

c. Words and Phrases

120

(2)

4-4 Four Basic Federal Research Tools

122

(2)

A. The Federal Reporters

122

(1)

1. Federal Supplement

122

(1)

2. Federal Reporter

122

(1)

3. The Three U.S. Supreme Court Reporters

122

(1)

a. United States Reports

122

(1)

b. The Supreme Court Reporter

122

(1)

c. United States Supreme Court Reports, Lawyer's Edition

123

(1)

B. The Federal Statutes

123

(1)

1. United States Code

123

(1)

2. United States Code Annotated

123

(1)

3. United States Code Service, Lawyer's Edition

123

(1)

C. The National Encyclopedias

123

(1)

1. American Jurisprudence, Second Series

123

(1)

2. Corpus Juris Secundum

123

(1)

D. The Federal Digests

124

(1)

4-5 The Organization of a Typical Law Library

124

(2)

A. The State Materials for the State in Which the Library Is Located

124

(1)

B. The Federal Materials

125

(1)

C. The Regional Reporters

125

(1)

D. The State Materials for States Other Than the One in Which the Library Is Located

126

(1)

E. All Other Materials

126

(1)

4-6 Shepard's Citations

126

(2)

4-7 Sample Case with Exhibits Showing Connections Between Research Sets

128

(12)

4-8 Hints for Choosing Which Research Set to Use

140

(3)

A. Is the Issue Likely to Be Governed by Legislative taw?

140

(1)

B. Does the Issue Require a Legal Definition?

140

(1)

C. Does the Issue Deal with a Totally Unfamiliar Subject?

140

(3)

D. Does the Issue Require Further Case Law Under a Particular Key Number?

143

(1)

E. Does the Issue Require Exact Language from a Specifically Cited Case?

143

(1)

F. Does the Issue Concern the Procedure to Be Followed by the Court?

143

(1)

G. Does the Issue Require a Case Citation When the Name of at Least One of the Two Primary Parties Is Known?

143

(1)

H. Does the Issue Require General Background Information?

143

(1)

4-9 Importance of a Clearly Defined Issue

143

(1)

4-10 The Impact of Computers on Legal Research

143

(4)

A. Introduction

143

(1)

1. CD-ROM (Compact Disc, Read Only Memory)

144

(1)

2. Westlaw® and Lexis ®

144

(1)

3. The Internet

144

(1)

B. The Comparative Advantages of Each Type of Research Using the Computer

144

(1)

1. CD-ROMs

144

(1)

2. Westlaw® and Lexis®

145

(1)

3. The Internet

145

(1)

C. The Comparative Disadvantages of Each Type of Research Using the Computer

145

(1)

1. CD-ROMs

145

(1)

2. Westlaw® + and Lexis ®

146

(1)

3. The Internet

146

(1)

D. Research Strategies

146

(1)

4-11 Sample Research Questions

147

(7)

CHAPTER 5 Writing Skills

154

(9)

5-1 Organization

155

(4)

A. Format

155

(1)

B. Example 1

155

(1)

C. Example 2

156

(1)

D. Example 3

157

(1)

E. Example 4

157

(2)

5-2 The Organizational Format and the Writing Process

159

(4)

A. Preparation of Outline

159

(1)

B. Determination of Organizational Format

159

(1)

C. Amplification of Paragraph Categories

159

(2)

1. Use of Examples

160

(1)

2. Efficient Use of the Time Allotted

160

(1)

3. Definition of All Technical Terms

160

(1)

D. Avoidance of Unjustified Assumptions

161

(51)

1. Example

161

(51)

a. Poor answer

161

(1)

b. Better answer

161

(1)

c. Analysis of both answers

162

(1)

CHAPTER 6 Ethics

163

(46)

6-1 Introduction

163

(2)

6-2 NFPA Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

165

(6)

6-3 NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

171

(2)

6-4 NALA Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants Annotated

173

(11)

6-5 Analysis Using the Code of Ethics for the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.

184

(25)

CHAPTER 7 Substantive Civil Law and Procedure

209

(53)

7-1 Introduction

212

(1)

7-2 The Basics of Substantive Civil Law

212

(7)

A. Two Important Subdivisions of Civil Law

212

(4)

1. Torts

213

(3)

a. Examples of intentional torts

213

(1)

(1) Fraud

213

(1)

(2) False imprisonment

213

(1)

(3) Battery

213

(1)

(4) Assault

213

(1)

(5) Invasion of privacy

214

(1)

(a) Using someone's name or image for commercial advantage without consent

214

(1)

(b) Release of information disclosing private facts to the general public

214

(1)

214

(1)

(6) Defamation

214

(1)

(a) Two types

214

(1)

(b) Publication required

214

(1)

214

(1)

(d) Privilege

214

(1)

(7) Product disparagement

215

(1)

b. The unintentional tort of negligence

215

(1)

2. Breach of Contract

216

(1)

B. The General Rule that Fault Must Be Proven

216

(1)

1. The Exception of Absolute Liability

216

(1)

a. Ultrahazardous activities

217

(1)

b. Food and drug contamination

217

(1)

2. The Exception of Workers' Compensation

217

(1)

C. Vicarious Liability

217

(1)

D. Damages

218

(1)

1. Compensatory Damages

218

(1)

a. Medical bills

218

(1)

b. Lost wages

218

(1)

c. Property damage

218

(1)

d. Pain and suffering

218

(1)

2. Punitive or Exemplary Damages

218

(1)

3. Nominal Damages

219

(1)

7-3 The Basics of Civil Litigation and Procedure

219

(43)

A. In General

219

(1)

B. The Basic Format of Pleadings

220

(2)

1. The Introductory Material at the Top

220

(1)

a. The upper right-hand corner or the top center

220

(1)

b. The upper left-hand corner

220

(1)

c. The title

221

(1)

2. The Main Body of the Pleading

221

(1)

3. The Conclusion

221

(1)

C. Documents Commonly Involved in a Simple Civil Action

222

(27)

1. The Summons

222

(4)

a. Who may serve summonses

223

(1)

b. The content of a summons

224

(1)

c. The requirement of a separate summons for each defendant

224

(1)

d. The service of subsequent pleadings

224

(1)

e. Alias and pluries summonses

224

(1)

f. Service of process on corporations

224

(1)

g. Service on out-of-state defendants

225

(1)

h. Reduction of service of process costs in federal court

226

(1)

i. In rem and quasi in rem cases

226

(1)

2. The Complaint or Original Petition

226

(5)

a. Key components of a simple standard complaint

229

(1)

(1) Introductory paragraph

229

(1)

(2) Statement of jurisdiction

229

(1)

(3) Statement of both plaintiff and defendant domiciles

229

(1)

(4) Statement of the facts

229

(1)

(a) Possibility of multiple counts

230

(1)

(b) Attachment of documents

230

(1)

(5) Demand for jury trial

230

(1)

(6) "Wherefore" or demand clause

231

(1)

(7) Subscription

231

(1)

3. The Civil Cover Sheet

231

(1)

4. The Answer

232

(13)

a. Key components of a simple standard answer

232

(1)

(1) Introductory paragraph

232

(1)

(2) Responses to specific allegations in the complaint

232

(1)

(a) Sham and frivolous answers

232

(1)

(3) Affirmative defenses

233

(1)

(a) Res judicata

234

(1)

(b) Release

234

(1)

234

(1)

(d) Comparative negligence

235

(1)

(e) Statute of limitations

235

(1)

(4) Counterclaims

235

(1)

(a) Compulsory counterclaims

236

(1)

(b) Permissive counterclaims

236

(1)

(5) Cross-claims

236

(1)

(6) Third-party complaints

237

(1)

(7) Concluding paragraph

237

(1)

(a) Demand for a jury trial

237

(3)

(8) Subscription

240

(1)

b. The time within which to respond

240

(1)

(1) Default

241

(1)

(a) The necessity of a final judgment from the court

241

(1)

(b) The expiration of the period for responsive pleadings

241

(3)

(2) The use of tickler files

244

(1)

c. Amendment of answers

245

(1)

5. Motions

245

(1)

6. Subpoenas

246

(1)

a. Issuance by the clerk

246

(1)

b. Service of subpoenas

246

(1)

c. Fees

246

(1)

d. Failure to obey a subpoena

247

(1)

e. Return of proof of service

247

(1)

f. Use of the subpoena duces tecum

247

(1)

7. Dismissals

247

(3)

a. Voluntary dismissals

247

(1)

b. Involuntary dismissals

247

(2)

c. Failure to prosecute

249

(1)

D. Pretrial Conferences

249

(1)

E. The Trial

250

(15)

1. Jury Selection

250

(1)

2. Opening Statements

251

(1)

3. Testimony of the Witnesses and the Introduction of Evidence

251

(4)

a. The questioning of each of the plaintiff's witnesses

253

(1)

(1) Direct examination

253

(1)

(2) Cross-examination

253

(1)

(3) Redirect examination

254

(1)

(4) Recross examination

254

(1)

b. A motion for directed verdict by the defense attorney

254

(1)

c. The questioning of each of the defendant's witnesses

254

(1)

(1) Direct examination

254

(1)

(2) Cross-examination

254

(1)

(3) Redirect examination

255

(1)

(4) Recross examination

255

(1)

d. Renewal of the defense's motion for a directed verdict

255

(1)

e. Presentation of further witnesses

255

(1)

(1) Rebuttal

255

(1)

(2) Surrebuttal

255

(1)

4. Closing Arguments

255

(1)

5. Jury Instructions

255

(1)

6. Jury Deliberations, the Verdict, and the Judgment

256

(1)

7. Motions in Anticipation of Appeal

256

(6)

CHAPTER 8 Civil Discovery

262

(36)

8-1 In General

264

(1)

8-2 The Purposes of Discovery

265

(1)

A. To Prepare the Case More Thoroughly

265

(1)

1. Exposure of Deception

265

(1)

B. To Clarify the Primary Issues and Defenses in the Case

265

(1)

C. To Locate, Obtain, and Preserve Evidence

265

(1)

8-3 The Scope of Discovery

266

(1)

A. Information Not Generally Subject to Discovery

266

(1)

1. Privileged Information

266

(1)

2. Information Lacking in Relevance

267

(1)

3. "Work Product"

267

(1)

4. Testimony of Experts Who Will Not Be Called as Witnesses

267

(1)

8-4 An Organized Plan of Discovery

267

(4)

A. The Meeting of the Attorneys to Plan for Discovery

268

(1)

B. Disclosure of Initial Information under Mandatory Disclosure

268

(1)

C. A Scheduling Conference Followed by the Entry of a Scheduling Order

269

(1)

D. At Least Ninety Days Prior to Trial: Disclosure of Information Concerning Testifying Experts

269

(1)

1. Identity of the Testifying Experts

270

(1)

2. Contents of the Report When Experts May Testify

270

(1)

3. Disclosures Pertaining to Rebuttal Experts

270

(1)

E. At Least Thirty Days Prior to Trial: Pretrial Disclosures

270

(1)

8-5 Forms of Discovery

271

(20)

A. Depositions

271

(8)

1. Definition and Elements

271

(1)

a. Oral questioning

271

(1)

b. Opportunity for cross examination

271

(1)

c. Before the trial or hearing

271

(1)

d. Party or witness

272

(1)

e. Under oath

272

(1)

f. Customarily in the presence of a court reporter

272

(1)

2. When Depositions May Be Taken

272

(1)

3. Documents and Other Requirements Necessary for Setting Depositions

272

(3)

a. Preparation of a notice of taking deposition

273

b. Preparation of a subpoena for deposition

272

(1)

(1) The consequences of failure to attend

273

(1)

(a) By the deponent

273

(1)

(b) By the one setting the deposition

273

(1)

(2) The necessity of a subpoena when the deponent is a party

273

(1)

(3) The use of a subpoena duces tecum for deposition

273

(1)

c. Preparation of a witness fee check

275

(1)

d. Preparation of a service of process check

275

(1)

e. Arranging for the presence of a court reporter

275

(1)

4. Procedure at Depositions

275

(3)

5. Transcription of Depositions

278

(1)

6. The Use of Depositions in Court

278

(1)

a. Purposes for using depositions in court

278

(1)

(1) Impeachment

278

(1)

(2) Death of a witness

278

(1)

(3) Excessive traveling distance for the witness

278

(1)

(4) Age, illness, infirmity, or imprisonment of the witness

279

(1)

(5) Exceptional circumstances

279

(1)

b. Partial use of depositions

279

(1)

c. Objections to admissibility

279

(1)

7. The Number of Depositions that May Be Taken

279

(1)

B. Interrogatories

279

(3)

1. Definition and Elements

279

(1)

a. Written questions

280

(1)

b. To be answered under oath

280

(1)

c. Written answers

280

(1)

d. Usually restricted to opposing parties only

280

(1)

2. When Interrogatories May Be Served

280

(1)

3. The Number of Questions That May Be Served

280

(1)

4. Objections to Interrogatories

281

(1)

5. The Maximum Time Allotted for a Response

281

(1)

6. General Procedure

281

(1)

7. Requests to Produce Business Records

282

(1)

8. Use of Interrogatories in Court

282

(1)

C. Production of Documents and Things and Entry Upon Land for Inspection and Other Purposes

282

(7)

1. When the Request May Be Served

288

(1)

2. Time Within Which to Respond

288

(1)

3. Requests Possible on Nonparties

288

(1)

4. The Maximum Number of Requests Possible

288

(1)

5. Objections to Requests

289

(1)

D. Physical and Mental Examinations

289

(1)

1. Those Who Must Submit to Mental and Physical Examinations

289

(1)

2. A Request by the Person Being Examined to See the Physician's Report

289

(1)

E. Requests for Admission

290

(2)

1. Definition

290

(1)

2. Applicable to Parties Only

290

(1)

3. When Requests for Admission May Be Sent

290

(1)

4. The Maximum Time Allotted for a Response

290

(1)

5. Partial Admission or Denial

291

(1)

6. Responses Indicating Lack of Knowledge

291

(1)

7. Failure to Respond

291

(1)

8. The Effect of an Admission

291

(1)

8-6 The Frequency with Which Discovery Tools May Be Used

291

(1)

8-7 The Duty to Supplement Discovery

292

(1)

8-8 Sanctions for Failure to Cooperate with Discovery

292

(6)

A. Certain Facts May Be Taken as Established

293

(1)

B. Certain Claims, Defenses, or Evidence May Be Disallowed

293

(1)

C. Pleadings May Be Stricken, Proceedings May Be Stayed, or There May Be a Dismissal or Default

293

(1)

D. An Order of Contempt of Court May Be Issued

293

(1)

E. Attorney's Fees and Costs May Be Incurred

293

(5)

CHAPTER 9 Criminal Law, Discovery, and Procedure

298

(17)

9-1 Basic Background Information

299

(7)

A. In General

299

(1)

B. Classification of Crimes

300

(2)

1. Felonies as Opposed to Misdemeanors

300

(1)

2. Mala in Se as Opposed to Mala Prohibita Crimes

301

(1)

C. The Role of the Mental State of the Accused

302

(1)

1. Intent, Motive, and Knowledge of Guilt

302

(1)

2. Insanity of the Defendant

302

(1)

D. Parties to a Crime

302

(1)

1. Principals of the First and Second Degree

303

(1)

2. Accessories Before and After the Fact

303

(1)

E. Burden of Proof

303

(1)

F. Parties Lacking Capacity to Be Held Responsible for Their Crimes in Some or All States

304

(2)

1. Small Children

304

(1)

2. The Insane

304

(1)

a. The M'Naghten Rule

305

(1)

3. Those with Diplomatic Immunity

305

(1)

9-2 Typical Sequence of Events from the Crime to the Disposition

306

(9)

A. Different Possible Events that May Trigger the Initiation of a Criminal Case

306

(2)

1. Indictment or Information, Arrest, Magistrate's Hearing, and Arraignment

306

(1)

2. Complaint, Preliminary Hearing, Arrest, Information, and Arraignment

307

(1)

3. Complaint, Arrest, Magistrate's Hearing, and Arraignment

307

(1)

4. Arrest, Preliminary Hearing, Indictment or Information, and Arraignment

307

(1)

B. Developments Subsequent to the Arraignment and Before Trial

308

(2)

1. Discovery

308

(1)

2. Pretrial Motions

308

(1)

a. Motions attacking the charging documents

308

(1)

b. Motions raising competency and sanity issues

308

(1)

3. Developments Relating to the Charges

309

(1)

a. A change of plea to guilty

309

(1)

b. Plea bargaining

309

(1)

4. Pretrial or Status Conference

309

(1)

C. The Sequence of Events in a Basic Criminal Jury Trial

310

(6)

1. Jury Selection

310

(1)

2. Opening Statements

310

(1)

3. The Prosecution's Case

311

(1)

4. Defendant's Motion for a Judgment of Acquittal

311

(1)

5. The Defense's Case

311

(1)

6. The Defendant's Second Motion for a Judgment of Acquittal

312

(1)

7. The Charge Conference

312

(1)

8. Closing Arguments

312

(1)

9. Jury Instructions Are Read

313

(1)

10. Jury Deliberations and the Verdict

313

(1)

a. Acquittal

313

(1)

b. Conviction

313

(1)

(1) Appeal

313

(1)

11. Sentencing

313

(2)

CHAPTER 10 Real Estate

315

(49)

10-1 In General

316

(1)

A. Land and All Structures Built Upon the Land

316

(1)

B. Fixtures

317

(1)

10-2 Rights in the Land of Others

317

(13)

A. Mortgages

317

(10)

1. Two Primary Documents Involved

318

(1)

a. Mortgage note

318

(1)

b. Mortgage deed

318

(1)

2. Second and Subsequent Mortgages

318

(2)

3. Assumptions of Mortgage

320

(4)

4. Mortgage Payoffs

324

(1)

5. Purchase Money Mortgages

324

(2)

6. Balloon Mortgages

326

(1)

7. Amortized Loans

326

(1)

8. Satisfactions of Mortgage

327

(1)

B. Easements

327

(3)

1. Two Types of Easements

327

(3)

a. Appurtenant easements

327

(2)

b. Easements in gross

329

(1)

2. How Easements Are Created

330

(1)

a. In writing

330

(1)

b. By implication

330

(1)

c. By prescriptive right

330

(1)

3. Licenses Distinguished

330

(1)

10-3 Co-Ownership

330

(4)

A. Co-ownership of Property in States Without Community Property Laws

331

(2)

1. Tenancy In Common

331

(1)

a. Undivided interest

331

(1)

b. Transfer rights

331

(1)

2. Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship

331

(1)

a. Undivided interest

332

(1)

b. Transfer rights

332

(1)

3. Tenancy by the Entirety

332

(1)

a. Undivided interest

333

(1)

b. Transfer rights

333

(1)

B. Ownership of Property in States With Community Property Laws

333

(1)

1. In General

333

(1)

2. The Effect of Agreements Between the Parties

334

(1)

3. Death of a Spouse in a Community Property State

334

(1)

4. Moving Between Community and Non-community Property States

334

(1)

10-4 Condominiums

334

(1)

10-5 Terminology

334

(22)

A. Grantor

335

(1)

B. Grantee

335

(1)

C. Deposit Receipt Contract

336

(7)

D. Warranty Deed

343

(1)

E. Quitclaim Deed

343

(3)

F. Bill of Sale

346

(1)

G. No Lien Affidavit

346

(1)

H. Recording

346

(7)

I. Abstract

353

(1)

1. Replacements for Abstracts as a Result of Current Technology

353

(1)

J. Name Search

353

(1)

K. Closing Statement

354

(1)

L. Title Insurance

354

(1)

M. Claim of Lien

355

(1)

N. Release of Lien

355

(1)

O. Satisfaction of Judgment

355

(1)

P. Fee Simple Estate

355

(1)

10-6 Steps in a Very Basic Standard Residential Closing

356

(8)

A. A Deposit Receipt Contract Is Signed

356

(1)

B. An Abstract Is Ordered, or a Computer Printout Is Ordered or Obtained Online

356

(1)

C. The Buyer Applies for Credit Approval

356

(1)

D. Roof, Pool, or Termite Inspections

356

(1)

E. The Abstract or Computer Printout Is Examined

357

(1)

F. A Request Is Sent for Assumption or Payoff Information

357

(1)

G. Arrangement for the Purchase of Insurance Policies

357

(1)

H. A Closing Date Is Set, and Documents Are Prepared

357

(1)

I. The Real Estate Closing Takes Place

357

(1)

J. All Appropriate Documents Are Recorded

358

(1)

K. The Title Insurance Policy Is Sent to the Buyer

358

(6)

CHAPTER 11 Decedents' Estates

364

(23)

11-1 Testate Succession

365

(12)

A. In General

365

(2)

1. Revocation by the Maker

366

(1)

2. Capacity

366

(1)

3. Amendment of a Will

366

(1)

B. Form

367

(1)

1. In Writing

367

(1)

2. Signed

367

(1)

3. Witnessed

367

(1)

C. Standard Clauses Found in Simple Wills

367

(8)

1. Payment of Debts, Taxes, and Costs of Administration

372

(1)

2. Dispositive Clause

372

(1)

3. Simultaneous Death Clause

372

(1)

4. Appointment of Personal Representative and Designation of Powers

373

(1)

5. Guardianship Clause

373

(1)

6. Trust Clause

374

(1)

7. Attestation Clause

374

(1)

D. Self-proving Affidavit

375

(1)

E. Statutory Elective Share

376

(1)

F. The Concept of "Per Stirpes" Distribution

376

(1)

11-2 Intestate Succession

377

(2)

A. Definition

377

(1)

B. A Typical Order of Intestate Distribution

377

(2)

1. There Is a Surviving Spouse, but No Lineal Descendants

377

(1)

2. There Are Both Lineal Descendants and a Surviving Spouse

378

(1)

3. There Are Lineal Descendants, but No Surviving Spouse

378

(1)

4. There Are Neither Lineal Descendants Nor a Surviving Spouse

378

(1)

5. There Are Neither Lineal Descendants, Parents, Nor a Surviving Spouse

378

(1)

6. There Are No Remaining Claimants

379

(1)

11-3 Probate and Administration of Estates

379

(5)

A. The Circumstances Under Which Probate or Administration Is Required

379

(1)

B. The Purpose of Probate and Administration Proceedings

379

(1)

C. The Typical Sequence of Events in Probate Proceedings

380

(3)

1. A Petition for Administration Is Prepared

380

(1)

2. An Oath of Witness to Will Is Prepared

380

(1)

3. A Court File Is Opened in the Clerk's Office of the Probate Court

380

(1)

4. A Notice of Administration Is Prepared and Filed

381

(1)

5. An Inventory Is Prepared and Filed

381

(1)

6. An Accounting Is Prepared and Filed

382

(1)

7. Tax Statements Are Obtained and Filed

382

(1)

8. The Property Is Transferred to the Beneficiaries

382

(1)

9. The Closing Documents Are Prepared and Filed

382

(7)

a. A petition for discharge

382

(1)

b. Receipts of all beneficiaries

383

(1)

c. A final accounting

383

(1)

d. An order of discharge

383

(1)

D. Ancillary Administration

383

(1)

11-4 Living Wills

384

(3)

CHAPTER 12 Domestic Relations

387

(25)

12-1 Introduction

388

(1)

12-2 Types of Marriages

389

(1)

A. Statutory Marriages

389

(1)

1. Requirements

389

(1)

a. A license

389

(1)

b. A marriage ceremony

389

(1)

c. Competent parties

389

(1)

2. Validity of the Marriage in Other States

389

(1)

B. Common Law Marriages

389

(1)

1. Requirements

390

(1)

a. Parties of the opposite sex have been living together as a marital couple

390

(1)

b. The parties have been holding themselves out to the general public as being a married couple normally for a minimum period of time set by statute

390

(1)

2. Palimony

390

(1)

12-3 Annulments and Dissolutions of Marriage

390

(3)

A. Annulment

390

(2)

1. Sham Marriage

391

(1)

2. Bigamy

391

(1)

3. Underage Party or Parties

391

(1)

4. Incest

391

(1)

5. Mental Incompetency

391

(1)

6. Intoxication

392

(1)

7. Duress

392

(1)

8. Physical Incompatibility

392

(1)

B. Dissolution of Marriage

392

(1)

1. Where Specific Grounds Are Required

392

(1)

2. Where Minimal Grounds Are Required

392

(6)

a. What must be plead

392

(1)

b. Respondent's lack of defense

393

(1)

c. Relevance of traditional grounds

393

(1)

12-4 Documents Involved in a Simple, Uncontested Suit for Dissolution of Marriage

393

(13)

A. A Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

394

(1)

B. A Declaration under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act

394

(4)

C. An Answer

398

(1)

D. A Property Settlement Agreement

398

(7)

1. Separation

402

(1)

2. Alimony

402

(1)

3. Custody of Children

402

(1)

4. Child Support

402

(1)

5. Visitation Rights

403

(1)

6. Children's Medical Expenses

403

(1)

7. Division of Property

403

(1)

8. Division of Indebtedness

404

(1)

9. Tax Issues

404

(1)

10. Mutual Releases

404

(1)

11. Full Disclosure

404

(1)

12. Attorney's Fees

405

(1)

13. Execution of Subsequent Documents

405

(1)

E. A Motion for Final Hearing

405

(1)

F. A Social Security Affidavit

405

(1)

G. A Financial Affidavit

405

(1)

H. A Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage

406

(1)

12-5 Steps Involved in a Simple Suit for Dissolution of Marriage with a Property Settlement Agreement

406

(3)

A. The Property Settlement Agreement Is Signed

406

(1)

B. The Suit Is Filed

406

(2)

C. A Court Date Is Set

408

(1)

D. Arrangements Are Made for Proof of Residency

408

(1)

E. The Final Hearing Is Held

409

(1)

12-6 Simplified Dissolution Procedures

409

(3)

CHAPTER 13 Contracts

412

(28)

13-1 In General

414

(2)

13-2 Types of Contracts

416

(2)

A. Unilateral and Bilateral Contracts

416

(1)

B. Executed and Executory Contracts

416

(1)

C. Express and Implied Contracts

417

(1)

D. Valid, Void, and Voidable Contracts

417

(1)

E. Quasi Contracts

417

(1)

13-3 The Elements of a Contract

418

(22)

A. An Agreement

418

(7)

1. The Offer

418

(5)

a. Examples of statements that do not constitute offers

418

(1)

(1) Offers reasonably understood as a joke

418

(1)

(2) Social invitations

419

(1)

(3) Offers to negotiate or to receive offers from others

419

(1)

b. Special kinds of offers

419

(1)

(1) Requirements contract offers

419

(1)

(2) Output contract offers

420

(1)

(3) "Services as needed" contract offers

420

(1)

(4) "Cost plus" contract offers

420

(1)

(5) Contract offers referring to market price

420

(1)

c. Ways to terminate an offer

421

(1)

(1) Rejection

421

(1)

(2) Revocation

421

(1)

(a) Examples of offers that may not be revocable

421

(1)

[1] Options

421

(1)

[2] Situations involving detrimental reliance

421

(1)

[3] Firm offers

422

(1)

(3) Counteroffer

422

(1)

(4) Expiration of time

422

(1)

(5) Death of either party

423

(1)

(6) Insanity of either party

423

(1)

(7) Illegality after the offer but before the acceptance

423

(1)

2. The Acceptance

423

(2)

a. The offeree's discretion to accept or reject

423

(1)

b. Who may accept

423

(1)

c. The lack of a response does not constitute an acceptance

423

(1)

d. The means of acceptance

424

(1)

(1) The mailbox rule

424

(1)

B. Competent Parties

425

(3)

1. A General Presumption of Capacity

425

(1)

2. Parties with Special Kinds of Contractual Capacity Problems

425

(3)

a. Minors

425

(1)

(1) Voidable contracts

425

(1)

(2) Contracts for necessities

426

(1)

(3) Special examples in which minors' contracts are valid

426

(1)

(a) Release contracts

426

(1)

(b) Student loans

426

(1)

(4) When a minor can disaffirm the contract

426

(1)

(5) Whether the minor must return the property after disaffirming

427

(1)

(6) Misrepresentation of age by the minor

427

(1)

(7) Parents' responsibility for their minor children's contracts

427

(1)

(8) The liability of adults who cosign

427

(1)

b. Those intoxicated by drugs or alcohol 428

c. The insane

428

(1)

C. Consideration

428

(3)

1. Definition

428

(1)

a. Distinguishing gifts from contracts

429

(1)

2. Consideration in Unilateral and Bilateral Contracts

429

(1)

3. The Requirement of Consideration on Both Sides

429

(2)

a. Two examples of exceptions to the rule

430

(1)

(1) Pledges to charities

430

(1)

(2) Agreements to modify a contract for the sale of goods 430

b. Courts do not generally examine the sufficiency of consideration

430

(1)

(1) Some exceptional circumstances

430

(1)

(a) Illusory consideration

430

(1)

(b) Unconscionability

431

(1)

D. Legality

431

(1)

1. Void Contracts

431

(1)

2. Examples of Special Situations Pertaining to the Legality Issue

431

(1)

a. Usury

432

(1)

b. Licenses

432

(1)

c. Agreements to not compete

432

(1)

E. Genuine Assent

432

(3)

1. Mistake

433

(1)

a. Unilateral mistake

433

(1)

b. Bilateral (or mutual) mistake

433

(1)

2. Coercion

433

(1)

a. Duress

433

(1)

3. Intentional or Unintentional Deceit

434

(1)

a. Fraud

434

(1)

b. Concealment

434

(1)

c. Misrepresentation

434

(1)

d. Undue influence

435

(1)

F. Sometimes, Evidence of a Writing

435

(8)

1. A Writing Is Not Necessary for Most Contracts

435

(1)

2. Exceptions to the General Rule

435

(2)

a. Contracts for the sale of an interest in real estate

436

(1)

b. Contracts that cannot be performed within one year

436

(1)

c. Contracts in which one makes a promise to a creditor to pay a debtor's debts with the promisor's own money

436

(1)

d. Contracts in consideration of marriage

436

(1)

e. Contracts for the sale of goods over $500

436

(1)

3. What Qualifies as a Valid Writing

437

(3)

CHAPTER 14 The NALA CLA Examination

440

(9)

14-1 Background and Numbers

441

(2)

14-2 Administration

443

(1)

14-3 The Examination-Eligibility Requirements

443

(1)

A. Graduation from a Legal Assistant Program

444

(1)

B. A Bachelor's Degree in Any Field Plus One (1) Year's Experience as a Legal Assistant (with Courses as Possible Equivalents for Experience)

444

(1)

C. A High School Diploma or Equivalent Plus Seven (7) Years' Experience as a Legal Assistant Under the Supervision of a Member of the Bar and Continuing Legal Education Credits

444

(1)

14-4 Examination Subjects

444

(1)

A. Communications

444

(1)

B. Ethics

444

(1)

C. Legal Research

444

(1)

D. Human Relations and Interviewing Techniques

445

(1)

E. Judgment and Analytical Ability

445

(1)

F. Legal Terminology

445

(1)

G. Substantive Law

445

(2)

1. The American Legal System

445

(1)

2. Four (4) of the areas listed below as selected by examinees

445

(1)

a. Administrative Law

445

(1)

b. Bankruptcy

445

(1)

c. Business Organizations/Corporations

445

(1)

d. Contracts

445

(1)

e. Family Law

445

(1)

f. Criminal Law and Procedure

445

(1)

g. Litigation

445

(1)

h. Probate and Estate Planning

445

(1)

i. Real Estate

445

(1)

14-5 CLA Specialty Examinations (CLAS)

445

(1)

14-6 Maintaining Professional Certification

446

(1)

14-7 Revocation of the CLA Credential

446

(1)

14-8 Dates and Deadlines, Testing Centers, and Fees

447

(1)

14-9 Study Materials

447

(2)

A. Study References

447

(1)

B. Seminars

448

(1)

Glossary

449

(10)

Index

459

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The Basics of Paralegal Studies

The Basics of Paralegal Studies

9780131121461

0131121464

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Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

The Basics of Paralegal Studies

The Basics of Paralegal Studies

9780131121461

0131121464

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Excerpts

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