PLG 110: Technology in Law

Course Description

The course will focus on teaching paralegals about the use of computers in legal organizations. Subjects to be explored include: introduction to computers, computer hardware and software, programs for word processing, spreadsheets and databases, timekeeping and billing programs, case management and docket control, discovery and litigation support, the internet, legal research, and presentation graphics. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • None

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Identify how computers are being used in legal organizations and the ethical considerations which arise in their use.
  2. Discuss types of storage systems and operating software programs.
  3. Understand of the ways documents are created and how spreadsheets and databases are used in the legal environment.
  4. Know how the computerized time and billing system works.
  5. Have a detailed understanding of calendaring, docketing systems and programs which support litigation.
  6. Show the ability to locate resources for legal information on the Internet.
  7. Accurately create simple search queries using WESTLAW or LexisNexis.
  8. Demonstrate an enhanced level of confidence in using computers and understanding their value in the legal organization.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1-7)

35%

Weekly Written Assignments (Weeks 1-7)

35%

Midterm Exam (Week 4)

10%

Final Exam (Week 8)

20%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • Cornick, Matthew S. Using Computers in the Law Office. 9th ed. MBA, Delmar Learning, Clifton Park, N.Y, 2023. ISBN-13: 978-0-357-61925-4

Additional Resources

  • Issues of current interest will be added for consideration by students and a number of websites in addition to those in the textbook will be discussed.

Computer Specifications

  • In addition to standard COSC technology requirements, students should download (at no cost) Adobe Reader. Most internet files on the Internet are in Adobe PDF format and accessible with the Adobe Reader.

Course Schedule

WeekSLOsReadings and ExercisesAssignments

1

1,2

Topic: Introduction to Computers and the Law

Topic:  Word Processing

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1
    • Chapter 2
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Answer Chapters 1 and 2 questions

2

3

Topic: Email Communication

Topic: Ethics and Professionalism

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3
    • Chapter 4
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Answer Chapters 3 and 4 questions

3

4

Topic: Electronic Spreadsheet

Topic:  Databases

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 5
    • Chapter 6
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Answer Chapters 5 and 6 questions

4

5

Topic: Office Management and Case Management

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 7
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Answer Chapter 7 questions
  • Complete Midterm Exam

Midterm Exam
Chapters 1-6
SLOs 1-4

5

6

Topic: Document Management Systems

Topic:  E-Filing in the Courts

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 8
    • Chapter 9
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Answer Chapters 8 and 9 questions

6

7

Topic: The Discovery Process and Litigation Technology

Topic: Electronic Discovery

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 10
    • Chapter 11
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Answer Chapters 10 and 11 questions

7

8

Topic: Technology to Make Presentations

Topic: Courtroom Technology

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 12
    • Chapter 13
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Answer Chapters 12 and 13 questions
  • Review textbook reading and study for Final Exam

8

1-8

Topic: Legal Apps and Access to the Justice Movement

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 14
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Answer Chapter 14 questions
  • Complete Final Exam
  • Submit Course Evaluation

Final Exam
Chapters 1-14
SLOs 1-8

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.