review

Final Week Schedule

  • Last Week of School

    • Final scheduled for Wednesday, December 10 at 11 AM

    • Students expected to arrive on time

    • Opportunity for quiz make-ups on Friday, the last day of class

    • Email instructor if needing to take make-up quizzes

Course Overview

  • Small Recap on Law

    • General lecture topics to be reviewed in class

    • Final review will occur on Wednesday before the final exam

    • Need to address any outstanding quizzes on Friday

Next Semester Course Registration

  • Instructor's Courses for Next Semester

    • Teaching Wills, Trusts, and Probate

    • Real Property may be offered in second year

    • Business Organization may also be a course for upcoming students

    • Co-op for second-year students preparing for internships at law firms

Understanding Law

  • Definition of Law

    • A system of rules created and enforced by the government

    • Purpose:

    • Maintain order

    • Protect individuals

    • Resolve disputes

    • Examples of law:

    • Speed limits

    • Divorce regulations

    • Business contracts

    • Property rights

  • Difference Between Criminal Law and Civil Law

    • Criminal Law:

    • Purpose: Punish offenders

    • Examples: Crimes (theft, assault)

    • Initiated by the government

    • Standard of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

    • Civil Law:

    • Purpose: Compensate victims

    • Examples: Contract disputes, torts

    • Initiated by private parties

    • Standard of proof: Preponderance of evidence

Types of Civil Law in Texas

  • Torts

    • Definition: Injury claims

    • Example: Negligence cases, defamation (slander and libel)

    • Torts can lead to civil lawsuits

  • Contracts

    • Definition: Legally enforceable agreements between parties

    • Required elements:

    • Offer

    • Acceptance

    • Consideration (exchange of value, which is not always monetary)

    • Importance of understanding consideration

  • Family Law

    • Involves marriage, divorce, etc.

  • Wills, Trusts, and Probate

    • Also categorized under civil law

Overview of Criminal Law

  • Texas Penal Code

    • Criminal law encompasses offenses such as:

    • Assault

    • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

    • Theft

    • Drug possession

    • Punishments vary (misdemeanors vs felonies)

  • Court Structure

    • Misdemeanors:

    • Handled by the County Court

    • Example: Cameron County, Court at Law Number 1, 2, 3, or 4

    • Felonies:

    • Handled by District Courts

    • Local Courts:

    • Municipal courts (traffic violations)

    • Justice of the Peace courts (small claims, under certain thresholds)

Evidence Basics

  • Types of Evidence

    • Physical Evidence: Tangible objects (guns, knives, contracts)

    • Documentary Evidence: Records such as text messages and police reports

    • Testimonial Evidence: Statements made in court

  • Legal Privileges

    • Attorney-Client Privilege:

    • Confidentiality of communications between an attorney and client

    • Example: Confidentiality applies to admissions of guilt

Legal Writing and Research

  • Importance of Legal Writing

    • Professional communication skills required

    • Essential for drafting letters, emails, and court documents

  • The IRAC Method

    • Framework for legal writing:

    • Issue

    • Rule

    • Analysis

    • Conclusion

  • Research Resources

    • Paid services: Westlaw and Lexis

    • Free resources: Internet databases, legislative libraries

Upcoming Review Session

  • Final exam consists of 50 questions based on previous quizzes

  • Students encouraged to use quizzes as study guides

  • Review session on Wednesday before final to cover potential exam questions

  • Address any outstanding quizzes that need to be made up by coordinating with the instructor

  • Ensure all students are prepared for the final exam session and understand the key content to focus on.