Paralegal Studies
11 courses · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
PARLG 1 Law and the Legal Profession
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to basic legal concepts, structure, and procedures of the American court system: Theories and sources of the law are examined, including torts, contracts, criminal and constitutional law; emphasis on the practical role of the paralegal within the legal system.
PARLG 4 Law Office Management
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Operation and organization of a law office: Structure, procedures, systems, organizational theory, personnel administration, and law office equipment.
PARLG 6 Legal Research
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Legal research tools and materials: Law library, computerized legal research techniques, locating and utilizing source of state and federal law, public records; organization and management of law office library; preparation of legal bibliography; citation form and cite checking; preparation of legal memorandum, and other written assignments in conjunction with legal research problems.
PARLG 8 Introduction to Civil Procedure and Litigation Practice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PARLG 001 and PARLG 006.
- Transfers to
- CSU
California and federal rules of civil procedure, and litigation practice from the beginning of the lawsuit through the end of a lawsuit: Initial pleadings, responsive pleadings, motions, discovery requests, pretrial, trial and post-trial practice, and settlement.
PARLG 9 Introduction to Tort Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PARLG 001 and PARLG 006.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Analysis and examination of tort law: Negligence, intentional torts, strict liability, product liability, defamation and other torts; and analysis of the facts of a particular client’s case to determine whether they has a valid case/cause of action.
PARLG 10 Family Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
California family law: Dissolutions/divorces, legal separations, adoptions, paternity, termination of parental rights, spousal support, child support, child custody and other interspousal rights and obligations.
PARLG 11 Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 1 hour lab
- Prerequisite
- PARLG 001 and PARLG 006.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Systematic approach to learning legal problem analysis and organization for written and oral communication: Drafting legal documents and letters, and developing listening skills and interviewing techniques.
PARLG 12 Estate Planning and Probate Procedure
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PARLG 001, PARLG 006.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Wills, Trusts, Probate procedure and Estate Administration: Purpose and need for a Will; the distinction between Wills and Trusts; process and procedure of Estate Administration; duties of personal representative, including drafting and identifying all forms required for probate and estate administration.
PARLG 15 Criminal Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PARLG 001, PARLG 006.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Analysis and examination of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure: Elements of crimes; crimes against the person; crimes against property; crimes against the public; defenses to crimes, searches, seizures, arrests, interrogation; pretrial practice; trial; sentencing; and appeals.
PARLG 16 Seminar in Paralegal Studies Internship
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
- Prerequisite
- PARLG 006 and
- Corequisite
- COPED 474A, PARLG 008, PARLG 011.
- Advisory
- PARLG 001.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of the specific competencies required of the student in the Paralegal Studies Internship program: Assessment, development, practicum, and evaluation of individual skills in a paralegal setting. Course accompanies COPED 474A, Occupational Work Experience in Paralegal Studies, and provides students with the additional tools needed to have a successful and productive internship experience.
PARLG 49 Independent Study in Paralegal Studies
- Units
- .5-5
- Hours
- .5 - 5 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student's choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Paralegal Studies. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog.