Course Descriptions
LAW 101 General Principles of Law (3 Credits)
This course is designed to give students an introduction to law and a thorough grounding in the English/Bahamian Legal System. Topics covered include the nature and sources of law, the doctrine of precedent, justice systems, law and society and various branches of law. Exposure case analysis, statutory interpretation and approaches used in solving legal problems will also be included.
LAW110 Legal Research and Procedures (3 Credits)
The ability to identify, research, and ultimately solve a legal problem is an essential skill for persons working in the legal services industry. This course is designed to allow students an opportunity gain basic legal research and problem solving skills that can be applied in a legal environment. They will learn how to read, interpret, find, update, apply, and cite legislation and cases. The course introduces basic techniques of legal problem solving; legal research; legal writing; and legal citation.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW210 Civil Procedures (3 Credits)
The civil procedures course provides a wide-ranging and detailed overview of the key statutory provisions, rules, practice directions, and case law which govern the various stages of a civil litigation claim. The course takes students through the progress of a typical civil litigation claim, from funding litigation and issuing and serving proceedings, through to trial, enforcement and appeal. Discussion of alternative dispute resolution is also included.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW212 Criminal Procedures (3 Credits)
The Criminal Procedures course provides a complete introduction to the criminal process. Students are taught what happens before the accused appears in court, the way in which prosecutions are commenced, how cases are presented and consideration for bail. Proceedings in various courts are examined. Pleadings, trials, sentencing and appeals are also discussed.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW260 Title & Conveyance (3 Credits)
This course teaches students the key principles and procedures underpinning the conveyance process. It provides guidance on each stage of commercial and residential conveyances, designed to help build confidence and certainty in the execution of all aspects of the conveyance process.
LAW272 Law Office Management (3 Credits)
This course is designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed to carry out the duties associated with the management of a legal office. Topics covered include professional customer service, communication, legal terminology, filing system, supervision, legal documents, research, court systems and electronic database management.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW280 Law of Contract (3 Credits)
The course acquaints students with the common law, equitable and statutory rules relating to enforceable agreements. Particular emphasis is placed on practical matters such as the construction of contracts, breach of contract and contractual remedies. Topics covered include offer and acceptance, consideration and estoppels, formal and evidentiary requirements, vitiating factors, electronic contracts, express and implied terms, mistake, misrepresentation, duress, terms and interpretation, statutory remedies for unfair conduct, performance and discharge of obligations, enforcement, compensation and restitutionary remedies.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW282 Law of Tort (3 Credits)
This course provides a general introduction to the law of torts. Topics covered include negligence, general and specific duty categories; standard of care; causation and remoteness; damages; defenses; and vicarious liability. Remedies for negligence are explored and the role insurance plays in determining settlements. Alternative methods of providing compensation for accidental injury are also addressed.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW284 Land Law (3 Credits)
Studies law of real property and gives in-depth survey of the more common types of real estate transactions and conveyances such as deeds, contracts, leases, and deeds of trust. Focuses on drafting these various instruments and studies the system of recording of and search for public documents. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the terms, procedures, principles of substantive real estate law, and with the forms and standard documents used in residential real estate transactions. Lecture 3 hours per week.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW290 Family Law (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to the elements of tradition and alternative marriages. Topics covered include marriage consummation, annulment, legal rights and obligations, divorce, property settlements, separation, divorce procedures and defenses, custody, support, adoptions, pre- and ante-nuptial agreements and pleadings. Students will also analyze various family court cases.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW292 Law and Society (3 Credits)
This course Introduces students to the relationship between law and society. It discusses theoretical perspectives of law, the origins of law, development, role of law in society, legal institutions, legal mobilization, law and social change, social movements, law and inequality, and law and social control. The development of law in relations to societal trends and demands are also discussed.
Pre-Requisite: LAW 101
LAW294 Ethics for Legal Professionals (3 Credits)
This course gives students a fundamental understanding of the professional codes of conduct and laws dealing with the ethical obligations of members of the legal profession. It covers the basic principles governing the ethical practice of law for legal professionals generally. Further discussions will be centered on the regulations governing the conduct of legal professionals, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, the handling of client funds, advertising, billing, fee splitting, disciplinary procedures and malpractice. It is expected that this course will prepare students to think through and give them a chance to develop solutions to everyday dilemmas they are bound to be confronted with in their careers.
Pre-Requisite: Final Term
LAW300 Paralegal Externship (6 Credits)
This course gives students the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the legal field by participating in an externship in one of many legal firms or offices in the Bahamas. They will Gain valuable experience by training at the legal office practice, title search, conveyances, legal documents, legal procedures and many diverse responsibilities associated with the day-to-day functions of a legal office.
Pre-Requisite: Final Term
CRJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
This course is an exploration of the historical development, current operation, and future trends of criminal justice. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary problems in the definition of law, the enforcement of law, strategies of policing, judicial systems, sentencing strategies, correctional practices, and emerging forms of justice.
CRJ110 Introduction to Criminology (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to the nature of crime and approaches to understanding criminal behavior particularly in the Bahamas. The causes of crime, how is crime measured and theoretical perspectives on crime are discussed in depth.
CRJ120 Juvenile Delinquency (3 Credits)
This course focuses on deviant behavior perpetrated by children against society. Factors and conditions contributing to delinquency, environmental influences, control and treatment of offenders are discussed along with prevention strategies.
CRJ210 Law Enforcement & Policing (3 Credits)
This course introduces the student to the history and major functions of law enforcement agencies. Topics covered include the evolution of law enforcement, contemporary policing, challenges of policing, policing the police and law enforcement challenges in the Bahamas.
Pre-Requisite: CRJ 101
CRJ212 Imprisonment & Corrections (3 Credits)
This course is an introduction to the philosophy and history of corrections, identifying multiple facets of the correctional system, including: Jails and Detention Facilities, Probation, Intermediate Sanctions, Imprisonment and Parole. Correctional systems as they apply to the individual, society and the future of corrections are discussed.
Pre-Requisite: CRJ 101
CRJ240 Criminal Evidence & Procedure (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to criminal evidence and procedure law that regulate the behavior of law enforcement officers, other criminal justice officials, and court proceedings. Students will discuss the need for these laws and how they help to control the criminal justice system.
Pre-Requisite: CRJ 101
CRJ242 Criminal Law (3 Credits)
This course will focus on the fundamentals of criminal law. It covers the Bahamian legal system through a review of the history of criminal law and the criminal justice system. Students will examine both the reasoning behind criminal law, the practical applications of the law, and current issues in the enforcement of the law.
Pre-Requisite: CRJ 101
CRJ260 Criminal Investigations (3 Credits)
This course covers the accepted principles and procedures used in the investigation of a crime. It includes discussions on the investigation of specific crimes, the identification of sources of evidence and the procedures necessary for the proper handling of evidence. Students will also develop a working knowledge of the steps of investigation beginning with the initial security of the crime scene and concluding with the presentation of evidence and testimony in court.
Pre-Requisite: CRJ 101
CRJ270 Police and Community Relations (3 Credits)
A study of the relationship between the police and the public they serve with particular emphasis on ethical standards, human relations, civil rights, and community service. Other topics to be addressed include civilian review boards, deadly force, police corruption, community concerns, community oriented policing, other community agencies, and crime prevention initiatives.
Pre-Requisite: CRJ 101
CRJ300 Criminal Justice Externship (6 Credits)
This course gives students the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience through working in public or private agencies that deal with criminal justice matters such as the courts or legal offices. Students will work in an appropriate public agency or private office, under the direct supervision of a criminal justice professional for a minimum of 160 hours.
Pre-Requisite: Final Term