Law Offices of Robert Anthony Unger

Civil Litigation I

Instructor:                 Robert A. Unger, MA, JD

                                    Attorney at Law, Retired (Inactive Status)

                                                                (619) 421-6700 x 5718

                                                 runger@swccd.edu

                                                Website: RobertAnghonyUnger.com

Mail Box in:

School of Social Sciences, Business and Humanities

Room 470K

619-482-6582

                                      Office Hours: by appointment in summer session

Course Description:

Recommended Preparation: LEGL 228 or 255 or equivalent; RDG 158 or the equivalent skill level as determined by the Southwestern College Reading Assessment or equivalent. Fee: $2. 3 units

 This course is a broad overview of civil litigation including jurisdiction and venue, discovery, pretrial, trial proceedings, state and appellate court procedures, and judicial arbitration in order to train the student to prepare appropriate documentation and draft complaints, answers, and pretrial documents and settlement agreements. [D; csu]

 Students will actively follow a civil case from inception through trial. They will participate in a mock trial after learning to prepare several preliminary court documents.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, a student will be able to :

1)                   Demonstrate the ability to prepare civil litigation pleadings, such as a complaint and discovery documents.

2)                   Explain the stages of a civil litigation case from inception through trial.

3)                   Apply the rules of evidence and California Civil Procedure to a civil case.

 Textbook:

Civil Litigation Process and Procedures, 2nd Edition or Later Edition, Thomas Goldman, Prentice Hall. 2012 or later.

 Supplies:

Flash drive to save your work

3-ring binder (at least 2”) for handouts

HOW WILL I BE GRADED?

Attendance: Your success depends on your presence in class and on your active participation in class discussions. You are allowed two absences, no questions asked. Use them wisely (illness and real emergencies). You may be DROPPED if you exceed two absences. You are expected to be in class the entire session. Role will be taken at the beginning and end of each session.

 Three tardies or early departures will equal one absence. Up to 25 “Push points” are given for perfect or near perfect attendance.

 Late work will only be accepted for full credit with prior approval, unless caused by documented illness or emergency. Late homework may be turned in for HALF credit any time after due date has passed. Get the phone numbers of at least two other students so that you can find out what you missed while absent. There will be no make-up tests except for extraordinary or emergency circumstances. See instructor in advance if possible.

 Lab & Homework Assignments:

During lab you will be preparing legal documents weekly. All legal documents must be typed and formatted in compliance with the California rules of civil procedure. These will be explained to you prior to the assignment. There will be lab time at the end of each class to work on these documents.

 Grades are based on points earned from the following assignments (a total of 1500 points are available) :

Lab Assignments (7 x 100 points)                                 700 

Homework (7 x 50)                                                           350

Mid-term Quiz                                                                  100

Mock Trial                                                                           50

Total                                                                                      1500

There may be opportunities for extra credit throughout the term for a maximum of 100 points.

 Grading scale:

A 1350-1500                        Excellent

B 1200-1349                         Good

C 1050-1199                         Satisfactory

D 900-1049                           Passing, below average work

F  Below 900                        Not passing

Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty, whether by plagiarism or cheating, will be dealt with according to college policy. The dishonest student may be dropped, receive a failing grade or face other charges (see college catalogue).

Students with special needs: If you have a learning disability or physical disability, or any other special need that may require accommodation, please meet with the instructor within the first two weeks of the semester –I will be happy to help.  This syllabus and course handouts are available in alternate media upon request. There are tutors, counselors, and other professionals available to assist you on campus, usually without charge. I can help you find them.

 Academic Success Center Referral

To further your success, reinforce concepts, and achieve the stated 

learning objectives for this course, I refer you to the Academic 

Success Center learning assistance services.

** Warning: Instructor reserves the right to modify, with notice to students, the terms of this syllabus during the semester to accommodate unforeseen events and student needs.

   Cell phones are to be turned off or to vibrate at start of class.

A cold December day in D.C.

United States Supreme Court