online bachelor's degree of legal studies

Foundations for Legal Studies provides students with an overview of the study of law and the skills required to prepare for a career in the legal field. The foundation for this learning is established through examination of the origins and the sources of law and the expression of legal theory. Fundamental skills introduced in this course include the performance of legal research through case law and the development of foundational legal writing through case briefing using the Chicago Style Manual method, preferred in the legal profession. Students will learn to examine and analyze case law which will aid in the development of legal reasoning and problem solving.

This course explores the myriad resources available for legal research. You will use legal research tools to find case law, statutes, administrative regulations, and more. In short, you will learn how to find the law.

In this course, students explore the fundamental skills needed for the expression of legal analysis in writing, with a focus on case-law briefing, analysis and its application to real-world legal issues. Through a combination of reading, analyzing, and synthesizing legal materials, students will develop the ability to effectively communicate in writing legal reasoning.

This course provides students with an examination and an overview of the legal discipline focusing on the concept of Federalism, dual sovereignty demonstrated by both state and federal court systems, and the complexities of determining jurisdiction. Historic and contemporary case studies will be reviewed to illustrate fundamental elements of legal practice in both criminal and civil systems. Students will be introduced to foundational skills of legal research and writing through case briefing. Critical thinking skills will be demonstrated through testing models provided by the Law School Admissions Council and through written examination discussing factors which influence legal policy and procedure.

This course provides students with an introduction to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure which regulates the actual mechanics of the practice of law. Jurisdictional concepts are examined in order to determine which court is the appropriate forum for filing and trying a case. Specific elements which are required to ensure the fair, timely and accurate court proceeding is illustrated through the Federal Rules.

The study of constitutional law provides students with an in-depth examination of “black letter” case law to illustrate the historic development of the separation of powers between the branches of government and the Articles and Amendments which define our concept of liberty. The foundation of this study identifies the role of the Supreme Court, examines the constraints on the powers of the judiciary, compares the diverse methods for the process of judicial decision-making, and debates the choice between the strict-construction and the “constitution as a living document—interpretivist” theories of constitutional interpretation. The Bill of Rights provides the foundation for the examination of the creation of public policy, the expansion of civil liberties and the ongoing debate about the vision for American jurisprudence.

This course provides students with an advanced examination of the constitutional restrictions placed upon law enforcement in order to best secure fundamental rights and liberties for the American citizen. Procedural requirements for the process of search and seizure, arrest, incarceration and the assurance of a fair trial are all examined through the study of historic and contemporary case-law. This examination further illustrates the differences between the various states and the federal government protections afforded individual liberty.

This course provides students with an introduction to the Code of Professional Responsibility which is designed to regulate the behavior of all legal professionals. The foundation of this study is established through the case-study method and an examination of the varying enforcement mechanics of the several states.

This course provides a critical analysis of the laws regulating the operation of modern business and social organizations. An examination of the impacts of tort law, products liability, contract and the Uniform Commercial Code, business organizational forms, tax law and agency regulation are designed to illustrate the complexities of business operation. Human resource regulation, labor law, bankruptcy procedures, securities regulation for publicly traded companies and the idea of priority interest are learned through analysis of case studies.

This course will provide concrete analysis of the application of law to the administration of property rights, real estate, and risk assessment, tax and investment policy formulation. Special emphasis will be provided for an assessment of the societal impact of probate, estate and gift taxation and regulation, and a review of laws applied to schools, foundations, philanthropy and other social organizations.

This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours