NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
Instructor:
Michael E. Chaplin
Office:
IB3417
E-mail:
michael.chaplin@seattlecolleges.edu
Class Hours:
Monday through Friday, 10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., and by appointment
Textbook:
Understanding the Law (6th Edition – 2012 copyright) by Donald
Carper and John McKinsey, published by South-Western Cengage
Learning. The ISBN 13# is 9780538473590. It is available at the
NSCC bookstore, and through on-line bookstores.
DISCLAIMER: Although the instructor is an attorney, any legal information provided
in this introductory college course should not be taken as personal legal advice for an
individual student, nor is the instructor to be considered to be the student’s attorney.
Students are advised to seek individualized legal advice regarding their specific situation,
from an attorney of their choosing.
TRANSFER: This class transfers to the University of Washington. Other four-year
colleges and university may prefer a different law class. You are responsible to be in the
right class for your transfer needs!
INSTRUCTOR BIO: I am a graduate of the University of Washington Foster School of
Business and the Notre Dame Law School. I practiced law for approximately seven years
and have, since 2007, taught various legal courses in California and Washington. Prior
to entering law school, I owned and operated several small businesses in Snohomish
County. My legal practice was varied, though I spent most of my time litigating contract
disputes. As an instructor, I have taught business law (including, for example, torts,
contracts, business associations, agency, employment, and commercial law), paralegal
studies and introduction to business courses.
READING REQUIREMENTS: All students are expected to keep up with the reading
for this class. We will cover a substantial amount of reading each day. Please budget
your time wisely and be prepared to read approximately 20 pages per day. A facility in
English speaking, listening, reading and writing is essential to successful completion of
this class.
COURSE OBJECTIVE: The objective of this course is to acquaint the student with
fundamental legal concepts, structures and functions of the American legal system. We
will examine the role of law, and the evolving nature of law as it relates to our society,
and especially how it affects each of our lives on a daily basis. We will look at the legal
system as a framework for the avoidance of problems in the future; and for resolving
problems that inevitably arise in a complex society. This course is not intended to make
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
the student into a lawyer, and cannot be an in-depth examination of all the topics to be
introduced. It is intended to provide an overview of the legal system so students know
where to look to find basic info, and how to contact legal professionals when they need
help.
NSCC ESSENTIAL LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Intellectual and Practical Skills – critical thinking and problem solving.
2. Integrative and Applied Learning – synthesis and application of knowledge,
skills, and responsibilities to new settings and problems.
STUDY SUGGESTIONS:
1. Terminology. Law has a language all its own. As you read through a chapter,
write down each word that is "new" to you. Write down in your own words what
you think it means. Check the glossary at the back of the book to see if that
matches your definition fairly well, or with a law dictionary (like Black’s Law
Dictionary, in the NSCC library). See if you can write a sentence using the new
word that makes sense. This will help you develop a mastery of the terminology.
2. Questions and Problem Cases. At the end of each chapter there are a series of
sample cases or questions. See if you can answer them. Check with other students
in class to see if you are in agreement. Some of these cases are based on real
cases. Compare your analysis with how the court ruled.
3. Study Groups. Many students find it helpful to have a weekly group get-together
at the library or a home, to review the reading or class discussions to gain a
deeper understanding of the materials, or to watch law-related movies and have
some popcorn!
GRADING POLICIES: You have a variety of ways to earn points towards your
final grade in this class. Please take a look at the following grading summary.
COURSEWORK
Points Possible
Class Participation
10
Quizzes (2) @ 10 points each
20
Midterm Examination (1)
30
Final Examination (1)
40
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE
100
Extra Credit
10
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
Examinations: The quizzes are take-home. You will be given the quiz on a Thursday
and must return the completed quiz the start of class the following day (Friday). The
quizzes are open book and open notes, but you are not allowed to consult any person or
service for assistance in answering any quiz questions. All other testing (mid-term and
final) will be in-class, with no opportunity for you to talk or compare notes with other
students, although you will be allowed two pages of notes (two sheets of paper with notes
on front and back) for each exam. You will need to score at least a minimum of 67%
correct on the final exam, in order to get credit for this class. You will need one scantron
for each quiz, one bluebook for the midterm and at least two bluebooks for the final.
Participation: Participation is based on your performance in case briefing. You will be
required to present at least two case briefs during the quarter. The brief will consist of an
oral presentation and class discussion where classmates and your instructor ask questions.
You may present your brief individually or as a team of not more than three members.
During the first two weeks of the quarter we will spend time learning the mechanics of
case briefing and presentation. Case presentations will begin in the fourth week.
To brief cases, case problems and questions, use the following “IRAC” format:
Issue: What question must be answered in order to reach a conclusion in the
case? This should be a legal question which, when answered, gives a result in the
particular case. Make it specific (e.g. “Has there been a false imprisonment if the
plaintiff was asleep at the time of ‘confinement’?”) rather than general (e.g. “Will the
plaintiff be successful?”). You may make it referable to the specific case being briefed
(e.g. “Did Miller owe a duty of care to Osco, Inc.?”) or which can apply to all cases
which present a similar question, (e.g. “Is a duty owed whenever there is an employment
relationship?”). Most cases present one issue. If there is more than one issue, list all, and
give rules for all issues raised.
Rule: The rule is the law which applies to the issue. It should be stated as a
general principal, (e.g. “A duty of care is owed whenever the defendant should anticipate
that her conduct could create a risk of harm to the plaintiff.”) not a conclusion to the
particular case being briefed, (e.g. “The plaintiff was negligent.”).
Application: The application is a discussion of how the rule applies to the facts
of a particular case. While the issue and rule are normally only one sentence each, the
application is normally paragraphs long. It should be a written debate - not simply a
statement of the conclusion. Whenever possible, present both sides of any issue. Do not
begin with your conclusion. The application shows how you are able to reason on paper
and is the most difficult (and, on exams, the most important) skill you will learn.
Conclusion: What was the result of the case?
With cases, the text gives you a background of the facts along with the judge’s reasoning
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
and conclusion. When you brief cases, you are basically summarizing the judge’s
opinion. With case problems, the editors have given you a summary of the facts of an
actual case, but have not given you the judge’s opinion. Your job is to act as the judge in
reasoning your way to a ruling, again using the IRAC format. While most of these case
problems are followed by a question, ignore the question and instead brief the problem.
Most briefs are one to two pages long. They must be brought to class on the day they are
to be discussed. Once an assignment has been discussed, you no longer need to bring it
to class.
Extra Credit: You may do one of the following assignments for up to 10 points.
Prepare a typed report and turn it in at the start of class by Friday, May 17. Your choices
are:
 Visit a superior court proceeding and write a two-page memorandum concerning
your observations and comments.
 Interview (preferably in person, but can be by phone) a local practicing
attorney or judge, and write a two-page written commentary (memorandum) of the
interview. The interview may not be done online (e.g., via email or instant
messaging) or via texting.
The extra credit is governed by the following: Grading will be based upon
completeness, conciseness, and clarity of expression. The
memorandum/summary must be word-processed, single-spaced, times new
roman, 12 point font. Neatness and organization also count. Deductions will be
made for poor grammar, spelling and sentence structure, as well as for failure to
follow the designated format and posting instructions.
Frequently asked questions:
 Q - “If my grade for all the other items is better than 67%, but my final exam
grade is less than 67%, can I still get credit for the class?”
Answer: No.
 Q - “If my total score for all the other items is below a passing (67%), but I score
above a 67% on the final exam, will I get credit for the class?”
Answer: Not unless the final exam score raises the total for the whole
course to at least 67%.
(Your overall score for the course must be at 67% or above, and your final exam must be
at 67% or above, to get credit for the class.)
GRADING SCALE:
At the end of the quarter, your total score will be compared to the following table to
determine the grade you have earned for the class. This scale may require higher scores
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
than other classes you have taken or are taking now. This reflects the fact that many of
the exams/projects in this class are "take-home," and "open-book" in nature.
Percentage
Scale
96 – 100%
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
87
4.0 Grade
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
Percentage
Scale
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
4.0 Grade
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
Percentage
Scale
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
4.0 Grade
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
No course credit is given for ending scores with less than 67% or if the score on the final
exam is less than 67%.
ABSENCES:
Appropriate absences during the quarter include ill health, work or family emergencies.
Consistent attendance and participation is important. Part of your grade is dependent
upon your participation in class, which will not be possible if you do not attend! If you
miss a class, it is your sole responsibility to obtain class notes and other lecture materials
that may have been handed out, from other students. Get the phone numbers and/or email addresses of at least two students in the class so that you may share information. In
general there will be no makeup exams, and you must turn in all work on the day it is
due. Any requests for changes on due dates must be made prior to the due dates. The
best way to reach me is to use my e-mail address.
CLASSROOM RULES:
Please respect the opinions expressed in class by your classmates. If you disagree with
someone's opinion, state so respectfully, and not as a personal attack.
Please turn off all computers, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or other electronic devices at
the start of class. If you do have a device that goes off during class, please turn it off
right away, and wait to respond to it after the class is over. (NOTE: Any student
whose device goes off during class will be expected to bring “treats” for the whole
class during the next class session.)
Please allow others to be able to hear what the instructor or class participants are saying,
by not engaging in "side" conversations.
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
Students are expected to comply with NSCC student conduct policy and procedures.
Information on student responsibilities and rights is available at the following website:
https://northseattle.edu/policies/student-rights-and-responsibilities
POLICY ON COURSE WITHDRAWAL: The instructor may initiate administrative
withdrawals of students who do not come to class during the first 3 days of the quarter in
order to accommodate other students seeking entry into the class. Official withdrawal at
other times of the quarter is the responsibility of the student.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:
In my commitment to student learning I want to support all students. If you have a
disability that will affect your performance in this class please let me know. Students
with disabilities are encouraged to use the college's Disability Services for support in
implementing reasonable accommodations for their disabilities. To make an
appointment, contact the Disability Services office by phone at (206) 527-3697, TTY at
(206) 526-0079 modem, or e-mail at ds@sccd.ctc.edu. Their office is currently located at
the North end of the College Center Building - room CC2346A, Monday through Friday
from 9 am to 4 pm.
Also, if you would need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated in
the event of an emergency, please meet with your instructor as soon as possible.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Academic honesty is highly valued at NSCC. A student must
always submit work that represents his/her original words or ideas. Any academic
dishonesty will result in the exam or work being given zero credit, and the student may
be dismissed from the class or the college.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY COULD INVOLVE:
1. Having a tutor or friend complete a portion of your assignment.
2. Having a reviewer make extensive revisions to an assignment.
3. Copying work submitted by another student, or giving another student your work to
copy.
4. Using information from online sources, or other information services without proper
citation.
5. Taking exam answers from another student’s paper.
6. Using materials not allowed to answer exam questions.
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
EXAMINATION CONDUCT: Students are expected to complete examinations without
the unauthorized use of reference materials, notes, or classmates, unless with permission
of the instructor.
CLASSROOM DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Respect for diversity is a core value of
NSCC. Our college community fosters an optimal learning climate and an environment
of mutual respect. We, the college community, recognize individual differences.
Therefore, we are responsible for the content and tone of our statements and are
empathetic speakers and listeners.
RESPECTFUL AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT: The instructor and student
share the responsibility to foster a learning environment that is welcoming, supportive,
and respectful of cultural and individual differences. Open and respectful communication
that allows for the expression of varied opinions and multicultural perspectives
encourages us to learn freely from each other.
FRAGRANCE POLICY: Students are encouraged to refrain from wearing heavily
scented products during class sessions, since some individuals may experience chemical
sensitivities to fragrances that interfere with their learning.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES:
Students are encouraged to seek campus support services when necessary to support their
learning and academic progress. Refer to student handbook, brochures/flyers, or college
website for information about:
Educational Access Office (accommodations)
Tutoring Services
Library
LOFT Writing Center Plus
Counseling
Women’s Center
Multicultural Services Office
Veteran’s Office
Study Tips for the First and Second Week of Classes
North Seattle Community College Counseling Center
Lydia Minatoya, Ph.D.
1. Read the syllabus for each class you are taking. In the syllabus, the instructor tells
you what assignments you must do, by when. The syllabus provides information
such as: how the instructor will arrive at your grade, how to contact your instructor if
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
you have any questions about assignments, and guidelines for behaviors your
instructor expects. Let your instructor know immediately, if you are unclear about
any item on the syllabus or if you have special needs or situations (such as a
disability, or a job, family situation, or bus commute that may occasionally make you
late).
2. Do not miss class! If an emergency arises, e-mail the instructor before the class and
explain why you will miss and when you will return.
3. Smile and make friends with your classmates so you can share notes and ask each
other questions about assignments. Consider forming a study group.
4. Try to study on campus, where there are fewer distractions, so that when you go
home you can relax and pay attention to other things and people in your life.
5. Study every day. Take notes on what you are reading so you will have a summary
(and less to review) when the test comes around.
6. Break big assignments into smaller tasks. This makes it easier to start. Study for
thirty minutes, take a five-minute break, and go back for thirty minutes more. When
memorizing (vocabulary lists, formulas, etc.) break lists into shorter lists of three or
four concepts/vocabulary words. Learn them, take a break, and learn four more. If
you try to learn a long list all at once, you may remember the first four items and the
last three, but everything in between will likely be a blur.
7. Plan some leisure time everyday (aim for one hour per day) and every weekend
(aim for a three to four hour block) to do something you enjoy! It is easier to study
when you know you have a break scheduled and it is easier to relax and enjoy
yourself when you know you have completed some of your homework.
The NSCC Counseling Center helps students identify careers, pick programs of study,
strengthen study skills, manage time and stress, deal with depression, confront prejudice
and learn other student success skills.
IF you are feeling depressed – PLEASE see a counselor at the Counseling Center – they
have helped many students over the years!!
Projected Schedule – Note this is the tentative schedule for Class Topics, and it may
have to be adjusted
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
WEEK ONE
1
April 1
Course Introduction
Read Course Syllabus
2
April 2
Introduction to Law
Read pp. 1-21; brief Eric J. v. Betty M.
3
April 3
Introduction to Law
Read pp. 21- 37; brief case problem (“PC”) 9
4
April 4
The Constitution
Read pp. 41-60; brief McDonald v. Chicago
5
April 5
The Constitution
Read pp. 60-81; brief PC 9
WEEK TWO
6
April 8
The Court System
Read pp. 89-100
7
April 9
The Court System
Read pp. 100-110
8
April 10
The Court System
Read pp. 110-121
9
April 11
The Court System
Read pp. 121-130
10 April 12
The Court System
Brief Trustees of Columbia v. Jacobsen, PC 7 & PC
10
WEEK THREE
11 April 15
Alternative Dispute
Resolution
Read pp. 168-180; brief PC 11
12 April 16
Administrative Law
Read pp. 189-199
13 April 17
Administrative Law
Read pp. 199-209
14 April 18
Administrative Law
Read pp. 209-216; brief Nash v. Auburn University
Quiz 1 Distributed
Quiz 1 Distributed
Administrative Law
Brief PC 6, PC 8 & PC 9
Quiz 1 Due
Quiz 1 Due
15 April 19
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
WEEK FOUR
16 April 22
Torts: Private
Wrongs
Read pp. 291-301; brief Randi W. v. Muroc
17 April 23
Torts: Private
Wrongs
Read pp. 301-311, brief Reider v. Louisiana
18 April 24
Torts: Private
Wrongs
Read pp. 311-324, brief PC 8
19 April 25
Torts: Private
Wrongs
Read pp. 324-340, brief PC 11
20 April 26
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
WEEK FIVE
21 April 29
Crimes: Public
Wrongs
Read pp. 223-244; brief Herring v. United States
22 April 30
Crimes: Public
Wrongs
Read pp. 244-260; brief People v. Lara
23 May 1
Crimes: Public
Wrongs
Read pp. 260-284; brief PC 11
24 May 2
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
25 May 3
Midterm Exam
Midterm Examination
WEEK SIX
26 May 6
Contracts:
Enforceable
Agreements
Read pp. 347-354; brief Hamer v. Sidway
Page 10 of 13
NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
27 May 7
Contracts:
Enforceable
Agreements
Read pp. 354-364; brief Lucy v. Zehmer
28 May 8
Contracts:
Enforceable
Agreements
Read pp. 364-371; brief PC 6
29 May 9
Contracts:
Enforceable
Agreements
Read pp. 371-387; brief PC 8
30 May 10
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
WEEK SEVEN
31 May 13
Family Law
Read pp. 395-404; brief Johnson v. State of Florida
32 May 14
Family Law
Read pp. 404-417; brief Perry v. Schwarzenegger
33 May 15
Family Law
Read pp. 417-430; answer the questions in PC 3
34 May 16
Family Law
Read pp. 430-443; answer the questions in PC 8
Quiz 2 Distributed
Quiz 2 Distributed
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
35 May 17
Quiz 2 Due
Quiz 2 Due
WEEK EIGHT
36 May 20
Employee &
Employer Rights &
Duties
Read pp. 589-600; brief Price Waterhouse v.
Hopkins
37 May 21
Employee &
Employer Rights &
Duties
Read pp. 600-611; brief Ricci v. DeStefano
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
38 May 22
Employee &
Employer Rights &
Duties
Read pp. 611-622; brief PC 5
39 May 23
Employee &
Employer Rights &
Duties
Read pp. 622-638; brief PC 6
40 May 24
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
WEEK NINE
41 May 27
HOLIDAY
NO CLASS
42 May 28
Motor Vehicles &
Personal Property
Read Chapter 10 (pp. 453-462, 470-490)
43 May 29
Renters &
Landlords
Read Chapter 11 (all)
44 May 30
Home Ownership
Read Chapter 12 (all)
45 May 31
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
WEEK TEN
46 June 3
Wills, Trusts, &
Probate
Read pp. 645-657; brief Estate of Dorothy
Southworth v. North Shore Animal League
47 June 4
Wills, Trusts, &
Probate
Read pp. 657-665; brief McConell v. Beverly
Enterprises
48 June 5
Wills, Trusts, &
Probate
Read pp. 665-669; brief PC 4
49 June 6
Wills, Trusts, &
Probate
Read pp. 669-691; brief PC 9
50 June 7
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
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NORTH SEATTLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 200-01, LAW & SOCIETY
COURSE SYLLABUS, SPRING QUARTER 2013
WEEK ELEVEN
51 June 10
Group Briefing
Presentations
Group Briefing Presentations
52 June 11
Final Exam Review
Final Exam Review
53 June 12
(10:30am –
12:30pm)
Final Exam
Final Exam
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