Introduction To Law

 

The course examines numerous aspects of our legal system.  The purpose of the course is to enable students to develop an awareness of their individual rights and responsibilities, to understand law that relates to the business environment, and to encourage ethical decision making.

 

The textbook is "Understanding Business & Personal Law", 11th Edition, Brown & Sukys, Glencoe Publishing.  Students will be required to use the textbook to complete in-class assignments when instructed.  Please click here to access course expectations:     Course Expectations 2012 and 2013.doc  

 

Topics Include:

 - Ethics and Character, and why laws are necessary

 - Court Systems at the local, state and national levels

 - Crimes and Torts, what differentiates a crime from a tort or criminal versus civil court cases

 - Civil, Criminal, and Jury Trial Procedures

 - Contract Law

 - Majority Law, Juvenile Law

 - Employment Law 
 

Activities include in-class group activities, computer lab/Internet research, simulations and mock trials.

 

 We will cover the following units and chapter concepts: 

 

Unit One:  Understanding the Law and Our Legal System

 

Chapter 1 - Ethics and the Law   This Chapter explains that the law defines the legal rights and duties of citizens.  It is developed based on our ethics as a society.  Soures of law are the Constitution, Statutes, Court decisions, Common Law, and Administrative Law.  To  review for the Chapter 1 Test, please complete the chapter activities and study your notes and these powerpoint presentations.         UBPL1.1.ppt    UBPL1.2.ppt    Study Guide Chp 1 Ethics Sources of Law.doc  

 

Chapter 2 - The Court System   This Chapter explains the Dual Court System which consists of State and Federal courts. The jurisdiction of each court system varies.  Chapter 2 also explains criminal and civil trial procedures.  To explain the jury selection process we will play and discuss the "Pick 12 Jury Game"

 

To review for the Chapter 2 Test, please complete the chapter activities and study your notes and these powerpoint presentations.     UBPL2.1.ppt     UBPL2.2.ppt         

Chapter 3 - Criminal Law   This Chapter discusses the various crimes against people as well as crimes against property.  The chapter material is reinforced by a Law Simulation which begins at this time.   To review for the Chapter 3 Test, please complete chapter activities and study notes and PowerPoint presentations: UBPL3.1.ppt   UBPL3.2.ppt  Beware the Ides of March.ppt  

 

 Jeopardy Game for Quarterly 1.ppt       Intro to Law Quarterly Test 1 Study Guide.docx  

 

 

Chapter 4 - Tort Law - In chapter four we will discuss the difference between criminal and tort law.  We will analyze the difference between intentional and unintentional torts and the elements of negligence.  The chapter material is reinforced by a mock trial involving a passenger on the Titanic and the owners of the ocean liner. 
 Chapter 4.1 lecture notes  Chapter 4.2 lecture notes 

 

Unit Two:  Entering Into Contracts

 
Chapter 5 - How Contracts Arise - Chapter five introduces the elements of a contract.  A contract is created every time we exchange things of value, and is any agreement enforceable by law.  Contracts are a common part of life, and you should know about their nature, purpose and effect.  To review for upcoming assessments click on Chapter 5.1 lecture notes and Chapter 5.2 lecture notes.

 

Chapter 5 Computer Lab Sales Contract:   Chapter 5 Computer lab Sales Contract form.doc  
 

Chapter 6 - Genuine Agreement - Chapter six discusses Genuine Agreement.  Section 6.1 begins with the elements of fraud and misrepresentation.  Mistake, duress and undue influence is covered in Section 6.2.  Due to time constraints, students will not be held responsible for all of the material in chapter 6.  When preparing for the Chapter 6 assessment, concentrate your studying efforts on the elements of fraud, duress, and undue influence.  Click here for 6.1 lecture notes.  Click here for 6.2 lecture notes.

Chapter 7 - Capacity to Contract - Chapter seven discusses the element of Contractual Capacity.  In this short chapter, class discussion will concentrate on the contractual rights and obligations of minors.  Click here for 7.1 lecture notes.

Chapter 8 and 9 - Consideration and Legality. Chapters 8 and 9 were discussed together.  These two chapters explain the last two elements of a contract. While the PowerPoint section notes are included here, keep in mind when studying for the quiz, that our lessons did not

cover everything in each chapter!  Section 8.1, Section 8.2, Section 9.1, Section 9.2  

 

Chapter 10 - Form of a Contract.  Chapter 10 discusses contracts that must be in writing and special rules for written contracts.    UBPL10.1.ppt    UBPL10.2.ppt  

 

Chapter 11 - How Contracts Come to an End.  Chapter 11 examines how contracts end through performance and agreement.    UBPL11.1.ppt  

  

Unit Three - Employment Law

 

Chapters 20 and 21 - Employment Law  - Chapters 20 and 21 discuss laws relating to employment conditions and benefits.    Chapter 20.1 lecture notes.ppt    Chapter 20.2 lecture notes.ppt    Chapter 21.1 lecture notes.ppt    Chapter 21.2 lecture notes.ppt  

 

Chapter 21 will be taught through student led group lessons.  The project rubric is as follows:    Chapter 21 Project Rubric.docx  

 

 

Click on the following links for the Second Quarterly Assessment study guide and Jeopardy review game:

  Intro to Law Quarterly Test _2 study guide.doc      Jeopardy Review Game For 2nd Quarterly.ppt