NCJ Number
80005
Date Published
1980
Length
438 pages
Annotation
Intended as a text for introductory paralegal and legal assistant courses, this book presents basic information on a legal assistant's functions in the American legal system and aims at developing fundamental paralegal skills.
Abstract
At the outset, the organization of the American legal system and the paralegal's role within the system are described. Methods by which a paralegal collects facts in a case and finds and interprets law bearing on those facts and the law are integrated in preparation for a trial, an administrative hearing, or an appeal. Basic factual information is provided on rules of evidence, the content of hospital records, the content of legal reference books, elements of various pleadings, procedures in an administrative hearing, and the organization of an appellate brief. Also provided are instructions on how the paralegal should approach practical problems. The concluding chapter assists readers in evaluating their prospects in the paralegal profession by discussing the rewards and frustrations that usually accompany paralegal positions. Accompanying each chapter are questions and projects designed to help the reader in applying learned skills to particular problems. The instructor's manual accompanying the text contains learning objectives, projects, use of classroom time, and exam questions for each chapter. Figures, tables, a selected bibliography with about 130 listings, and a subject index are provided. (Author summary modified)