About this course
Law plays an ever-increasing role in our lives. Our Understanding the Law course helps you become engaged in the study of law by examining how various aspects of law affect individuals. We use hypothetical and real world examples to illustrate important points of the law and to inspire insight. This course also incorporates extensive coverage of ethical issues, consumer rights, employee rights and family law. Students will discover the fundamental different types of law, including international and comparative law in order to gain essential knowledge for today's global marketplace.
Prerequisite(s): None
Understanding the Law Module 1
Introduction to the Law
- The English Source of U.S. Law
- Modern Sources of U.S. Law
- Types & Classifications of Law
- The Relationship Between Law & Ethics
- Using Court Cases
- Constitutional Law
- Judicial Review
- Separation of Powers
- The National Government
- What is Federalism?
- The Police Power
- The Bill of Rights
- Freedom of Speech & Religion
- Unreasonable Searches
- Due Process of Law
- Affirmative Action
- The Right to Privacy
Understanding the Law Module 2
The Court System & The Attorney
- What is Trial Court?
- Appellate Court
- Understanding Jurisdiction
- The State Court System
- The Federal Court System
- Trial Proceedings
- The Adversarial System
- Attorneys-at-Law
- Professional Ethics
- Hire & Fire an Attorney
- Legal Malpractice
- Unauthorized Practice of Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Understanding the Law Module 3
Administrative Law & Crimes
- What is Administrative Law?
- History of U.S. Administrative Law
- Administrative Agencies
- Areas of Administrative Law
- Agency Power, Process, & Action
- Limits of Agency Power
- What is a Crime?
- Parties to a Crime
- Corpus Delicti
- Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction
- Crimes Against the Person
- Crimes Against Property
- Defenses to Crimes
- Statute of Limitations
- Procedures in a Criminal Trial
- Parole, Probation, & Clemency
Understanding the Law Module 4
Torts & Contracts
- What are Torts?
- Torts by Intentional Conduct
- Torts by Negligent Behavior
- Strict Liability Torts
- Damages & the Collection of Damages
- Contracts: Enforceable Agreements
- How are Contracts Classified?
- Requisites of a Valid Contract
- Third Parties in Contracts
- Discharged Contracts
- Breach of Contract
- Individual Consumer Contracts
- Warranty Protection
Understanding the Law Module 5
Application of Law to the Individual
- Family Law
- Marriage Laws
- Legal Consequences of Marriage
- Laws Governing Parenthood
- Protection of Minors
- Termination of Marriage
- Family Law Contracts
- Motor Vehicle Law
- Owning a Motor Vehicle
- Driving a Motor Vehicle
- Purchasing Automobile Insurance
- Acquiring Ownership of Personal Property
- Will or Inheritance
- Mislaid, Lost, & Abandoned Property
Understanding the Law Module 6
Renters, Landlords & Employee Rights
- Types of Leases
- Landlord-Tenant Relationship
- Legal Remedies for Landlords
- Legal Remedies for Tenants
- Employee Rights
- Worker Laws
- Legal Classification of Employees
- Discrimination Laws
- Employee Duties
- Benefits for Employees
- Rights Regarding Unions
Understanding the Law Module 7
Consumer Rights, Family Law and Wills
- Consumer Rights and Protection
- Consumer Privacy
- Consumer Protection
- Federal Government Involvement in Family Law
- What is Marriage?
- Legal Consequences of Marriage
- Laws Govern Parenthood
- Divorce
- Family Laws and Contracts
- What is Estate Planning?
- Tax Burdens Reduced or Avoided
- Matters Concerning Wills
- Matters Concerning Probate
- Living Wills & Advance Directives
**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**
