Paralegal Curriculum
42 credit hours
First Quarter (August – November)
Legal Philosophy & Reasoning (3 Credits)
As Christians we need to have renewed minds about the law. We need to understand the false legal philosophies that exist and that have influenced our legal culture. Clear and logical thinking based upon true premises are necessary to be effective in the realm of law and government policy.
Common Law Jurisprudence (3 Credits)
Dive into our legal history to learn the Biblical foundations to our common law legal system in America. Students will be challenged to apply Biblical principles to resolve current and political issues.
Torts (2 Credits)
Study the personal injury and property damage claims litigated in America’s courtrooms, including an evaluation of the rights of the injured, and the various defenses available to defendants. Biblical and common law principles of “fault” will be prioritized.
Contracts (3 Credits)
An overview of the common law of Contracts, as well as the Uniform Commercial Code and contract drafting.
Second Quarter (November – February)
Faith And Vocation (3 Credits)
This course will begin with a survey of Scripture’s understanding of work as inherently blessed, fallen, and in the process of being redeemed. You will then look at ways in which God’s work intersects with our daily work and examine how our daily work now might find its greatest fulfillment in eternity.
Real Estate Transactions (3 Credits)
This course explores a wide variety of land transactions including the sale and lease of both commercial and residential real estate, and exposure to the key players in a property transaction, including mortgage companies and escrow officers. Learn about the language, the documents, and the procedures involved.
Criminal Law & Procedure (2 Credits)
An overview of major crimes and the criminal justice system, including considerations relating to searches and seizures, confessions, and right to counsel.
Family Law (2 Credits)
Introduction to the concepts of adoption, marital jurisdiction, grounds for separation and divorce, child custody and visitation, marital counseling and reconciliation, all from a uniquely Biblical perspective.
Third Quarter (February – May)
Christian Conciliation (2 Credits)
Based upon the principles of Matthew 18 and I Corinthians 6, you will learn the steps to bring about reconciliation that restores parties in conflict.
Wills &Trusts (2 Credits)
An overview of the probate process and introduction to the basic rules relation to estate planning, including laws of succession, trusts, and wills. Learn the Biblical perspective on dominion and estate transfer from one generation to the next.
Legal Research & Writing (4 Credits)
Taken during the third quarter, this course will build upon a general understanding of good writing and composition. Students will be introduced to internal research memoranda, points, authorities, and the Uniform System of Citation. Students will also be required to develop and demonstrate legal research skills and will become familiar with law library research.
Business Organizations (2 Credits)
Provides a basic understanding of the characteristics of corporations, partnerships, and agency relationships, as well as an introduction to the procedures and advantages of incorporation.
Fourth Quarter (May – July)
Ethics For Legal Professionals (2 Credits)
Designed to build upon the material covered in Introduction to Law and the Legal Profession, this course will provide an overview of the ethical considerations that law office personnel should follow in fulfilling duties owed to their employer, to the client, and to the courts.
Constitutional Law (3 Credits)
Overview of state and federal constitutional structures of government, the unalienable rights and liberties of each person, and the fundamental requirements of due process of law and equal protection under the law.
Civil Litigation (3 Credits)
Covers a basic process of civil litigation, including instruction in civil procedure and an introduction to the rules of evidence.
Advanced Legal Research (3 Credits)
This course builds upon the basic skills acquired in the third-quarter’s Legal Research & Writing course. Students will apply their skills to two large, multi-week research and writing assignments focusing on business law related matters. The completion of this course will prepare students for completing a variety of common law office research and writing projects. Students are provided access to the online computer-assisted legal research service LexisNexis.
“I never have to wonder if one can be a Christian and a lawyer because my OBCL professors all modeled that paradigm. Because of their examples, I know I need only ask God how specifically would He have me respond to the challenges of practicing law as a Christian.”
– Marty M.