Spring 2026 Course Syllabus
Course: LGLA-1307 (Section: 1C, CRN: 11651)
Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Tieranny Decuir
Email decuirts@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6548
Office Student Center - Room: 415
Office Hours Monday: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Thursday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: By appointment only
Additional Contact Information None
Course Information
Description Overview of the law and the legal professions including legal concepts, systems, and terminology; substantive areas of law and the federal and state judicial systems; ethical obligations and regulations; professional trends and issues with emphasis on the paralegal's role.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Introduction to Law for Paralegals, Fifth Edition
ISBN 9798886142211
Publisher- Aspen Publishing
Additional Materials/Resources None
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes Use legal terminology;
Explain fundamental legal concepts categorizing substantive areas of law and the federal and state judicial systems;
And identify the ethical obligations of the legal professional in various practice areas with particular emphasis on the paralegal's role in the legal profession.
Program Student Learning Outcomes 1. Understand legal terms and the paralegal’s role in the legal environment.
2. Apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents.
3. Demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment.
4. Exhibit the ability to use computer skills.
Lecture Topics Outline

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Law

  • Chapter 2: The Participants in the Legal System

  • Chapter 4: Bringing a Legal Action

  • Chapter 5: Law Office Management

  • Chapter 6: Ethics and the Law

  • Chapter 7: Trials

  • Chapter 8: Appeals

  • Chapter 9: Personal Injury Law (Torts)

  • Chapter 10: Contracts and Business Law

  • Chapter 11: Criminal Law

  • Chapter 13: Real Property Law

  • Chapter 14: Wills and Trusts

  • Chapter 15: Family Law

  • Chapter 18: Researching the Law

  • Chapter 19: Legal Writing
Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Law

Week 2

  • Chapter 2: The Participants in the Legal System

Week 3

  • Chapter 2 (concluded): The Participants in the Legal System

  • Chapter 4: Bringing a Legal Action

  • Assignment 1

Week 4

  • Chapter 4: Bringing a Legal Action

  • Exam 1

Week 5

  • Chapter 5: Law Office Management

Week 6

  • Chapter 6: Ethics and the Law

  • Chapter 7: Trials

Week 7

  • Chapter 8: Appeals

  • Chapter 9: Personal Injury Law (Torts)

  • Assignment 2

Week 8

  • Chapter 9: Personal Injury Law (Torts)

  • Exam 2

Week 9

  • Chapter 10: Contracts and Business Law

Week 10

  • Chapter 11: Criminal Law

  • Assignment 3

Week 11

  • Chapter 11 (concluded): Criminal Law

  • Chapter 13: Real Property Law (begun)

Week 12

  • Chapter 13: Real Property Law

  • Exam 3

Week 13

  • Chapter 14: Wills and Trusts

Week 14

  • Chapter 15: Family Law

  • Assignment 4

Week 15

  • Chapter 18: Researching the Law

Week 16

  • Chapter 19: Legal Writing

  • Final Exam (Comprehensive)
Final Exam Date May 11, 2026 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 11, 2026 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 Discussions- 20%
Exams - 30%
Assignments - 20%
Final Exam - 20%
Weekly Journals - 10%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies

Weekly Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to complete the following each week:

  1. Read the assigned chapter(s).

  2. Complete all assigned coursework in Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.

Assignments & Exams

  • All assignments and exams will open during the designated week.

  • Exams must be completed by the posted closing date.

  • Failure to complete an exam by the deadline will result in a zero, unless the student has an excused absence (e.g., illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment, or other documented emergencies).

  • Students with excused absences must contact the instructor before or immediately after the deadline to arrange a make-up exam.

  • Exams will consist of multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions.

Late Work Policy

  • Late work is accepted up to three (3) days after the original due date.

  • A 5-point deduction per day will be applied for each day the work is late.

  • Work submitted more than three (3) days late will not be accepted and will receive a zero.

  • Late exams are not accepted unless an excused absence is approved by the instructor.

This policy applies to the following course components:

  • Discussions

  • Exams

  • Assignments

  • Weekly Journals

Make-Up Work

  • Make-up assignments or exams are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of the instructor.

  • Students must communicate promptly and provide documentation when applicable.

Required Course Materials

  • Every student must obtain the required textbook or e-book no later than the second week of class, or as soon as it becomes available through the bookstore.

Instructions & Professional Conduct

  • Failure to follow written or verbal instructions may result in grade penalties.

  • Students are responsible for checking Blackboard Ultra and their school email regularly for updates, announcements, and schedule changes.

Grades & Communication

  • Grades will be posted in Blackboard Ultra.

  • Students are responsible for tracking their own grades and averages.

  • The instructor does not calculate averages for students.

  • Grades will not be discussed over the phone.

Communication Policy

  • All course-related communication must be conducted via email at:
    📧 decuirts@lamarpa.edu

  • Students must use professional and respectful language in all communications.

  • Slang, offensive, inappropriate, or foul language will not be accepted and may result in the message not being addressed.

  • Emails must include the student’s full name, course number, and a clear subject line.

Academic Integrity (Dishonesty & Cheating)

  1. Any student caught cheating or sharing their work will receive a zero on the assignment.

    • There is a clear difference between helping someone understand an assignment and giving someone work to copy.

  2. Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.

Technical Issues

Blackboard Ultra

  • Login, password, or software issues must be resolved through the IT Department.

  • Students must notify the instructor of any technical issues that may affect deadlines.

Pearson

  • Students experiencing Pearson issues must contact Pearson Technical Support.

  • Students must notify the instructor immediately of any delays caused by Pearson technical problems.

Instructor Discretion

The instructor reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to the syllabus, course schedule, or policies as necessary. Any changes will be communicated through Blackboard Ultra
Attendance Policy

  • Attendance is based on active participation in weekly discussion posts within Blackboard Ultra.

  • Students are expected to post and respond in discussion boards by the assigned deadlines.

  • Failure to participate in discussion activities may result in being marked absent for that week.

  • Regular participation in discussions demonstrates engagement with course content and contributes to overall success in the course.
Additional Information None
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Chair:CASP
Email:CASP
Phone:(409) 983-4921