Legal Studies (Diploma)

Program Overview

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The Legal Studies (Diploma) program at Douglas College offers a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian legal system, covering areas such as business law, criminal law, public law, and legal research skills. Students develop critical thinking, writing, and presentation abilities through elective courses in non-law fields. The program prepares graduates for careers in the legal field, including court clerk, legal agent, and paralegal.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Legal Studies (Diploma) program at Douglas College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian legal system, including its administration, business law, criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence, public law, constitutional law, and private law. The program emphasizes legal research skills, legal remedies, and the basic principles of legal reasoning. Students also take elective courses in non-law related fields to enhance their critical thinking, writing, research, and presentation skills.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Administration of justice
• Business law
• Criminal law
• Criminal procedure and evidence
• Public law (including immigration and human rights law)
• Constitutional law
• Private law (torts, contracts, property)
• Legal research skills
• Legal remedies
• Basic principles of legal reasoning

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Structure:

• Four semesters
• 60 credits
• Full-time or part-time study options

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Course Schedule:

• Semester 1: Introduction to Business Law, The Criminal Justice System, Introduction to the Canadian Legal System, Legal Research and Reasoning
• Semester 2: Criminal Law, The Administration of Justice, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Legal Processes and Remedies
• Semester 3: Private Law, Public Law, Introduction to Canadian Government, An Introduction to Psychology (I)
• Semester 4: Seven University Transferable elective courses, one course from a list of five options

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Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• Introduction to Business Law: An overview of the Canadian legal system as it relates to business, including the law of contracts, torts, and property.
• The Criminal Justice System: An examination of the Canadian criminal justice system, including the roles of police, courts, and corrections.
• Introduction to the Canadian Legal System: A survey of the Canadian legal system, including its history, structure, and sources of law.
• Legal Research and Reasoning: An introduction to legal research methods and the principles of legal reasoning.
• Criminal Law: A study of the substantive criminal law of Canada, including the elements of various offences and the defences to those offences.
• The Administration of Justice: An examination of the administration of justice in Canada, including the role of the courts, the police, and the прокуратура.
• Criminal Procedure and Evidence: A study of the procedural rules governing criminal trials in Canada, including the rules of evidence.
• Legal Processes and Remedies: An examination of the legal processes and remedies available to individuals and organizations in Canada.
• Private Law: A study of the private law of Canada, including the law of contracts, torts, and property.
• Public Law: A study of the public law of Canada, including constitutional law, administrative law, and human rights law.
• Introduction to Canadian Government: An overview of the Canadian government, including its structure, functions, and powers.
• An Introduction to Psychology (I): An introduction to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Research papers

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote learning, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Role-playing

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Careers:

The Legal Studies (Diploma) program prepares students for a variety of careers in the legal field, including:

• Court clerk/Supreme Court registry staff
• Legal agents
• Sheriff
• Court reporter
• Parole officer
• Court translator
• Lawyer
• Paralegal
• Notary
• Policing
• Corrections