Course Descriptions

This course introduces students to the legal system in Canada, starting with the forms and sources of law, followed by an exploration of the Constitution, which is the framework for all Canadian law. The constitutional section of the course emphasizes the division of legislative authority between the provinces and the federal government, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The course also introduces students to legal professional responsibility, as well as topics such as administrative law, private law, aboriginal law, and international law.

Students will be introduced to basic legal analysis through the study of case law and legislation. They will learn to identify legal issues and rules, how to write case briefs, and how to prepare legal memoranda in which students apply rules to specific fact situations.

Using a PC, students will be introduced to advanced word processing concepts through document generating applications normally part of the day-to-day operations in a legal office. The student will also be exposed to various legal software applications.

Students will gain an understanding of the sources and developing theory of criminal law in Canada. We will take the theoretical aspects of criminal law and apply them to criminal proceedings to broaden the students understanding of the concepts involved.

This is a work placement program of 52 weeks which focuses on the various processes and procedures common to the work performed by Paralegals within the BC Criminal Justice system. Pre-employment and sponsorship by the BC Criminal Justice Branch is required. The practicum must be completed within 2 years of commencement.

Students will learn the fundamentals of substantive family law, as well as basic Supreme Court and Provincial Court procedures. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the Divorce Act, Family Law Act, Child, Family and Community Service Act, Adoption Act, and court rules at different levels.

Students will be introduced to all the elements of negligence, the largest area of tort law, through the study of case law and statutes.

In this course, students will continue an examination of tort law through the study of case law and statutes, considering a number of issues including economic negligence, occupiers' liability, nuisance, strict liability and the intentional torts.

This course introduces students to the process of legal research in Canada. Students will learn legal research techniques required to locate legislation, case law and secondary sources by citation, title and subject matter. They will learn to find relevant legal information using traditional and electronic sources, and will learn to properly cite these sources.

Students will learn the principles of a civil litigation practice in BC. The course will cover chronologically the events that arise in a civil law suit in the Supreme Court of BC. Emphasis is on familiarization with and the use of the Supreme Court Civil Rules to enable the learner, under the supervision of a lawyer, to prepare documents and follow procedures required in the course of a civil action. The learner is encouraged to solve particular problems by using the Supreme Court Civil Rules and civil litigation court forms and precedents.

Students will study the law of evidence, and learn to analyse and critically apply the rules of evidence through lectures and the case study method.

Students will learn the fundamentals of substantive estate law. As well, they will learn the formal requirements for preparing and executing wills and codicils in British Columbia, and of probate procedures (including grants of probate and administration, preparing an estate inventory, devolution, transmission and transfer of assets, income tax requirements, passing accounts, executor's remuneration, solicitor's remuneration, and relevant limitation dates).

Students will be introduced to contract law through the study of case law and statutes, focusing on the elements of a valid and enforceable contract. They will learn to critically evaluate competing theories of contractual validity, synthesize the law and apply relevant principles to fact patterns designed to develop a practical understanding of the elements of an enforceable contact.

Students will continue the examination of contract law by developing and applying analytical strategies to resolve practical problems through the integration of case law and statutes, considering a number of issues such as misrepresentation, interpretation, mistake and remedies.

Starting with the position of a single artist, this course moves through the creations, legal protections and challenges facing artists and professionals in the arts, music and entertainment industries. What legal protections exist for the visual artist, digital and traditional? What legal issues and implications must a musician, composer, or film professional be aware of in his or her creative life? This course will focus on the key concerns in each of these important cultural industries, including intellectual property, management and contracts, and global issues.

This course will examine the legal issues facing sports organizations, managers, athletes, recreationalists, spectators and recreational facility owners. The student will learn how various areas of law impact the sports and recreation industries, and will cover both civil and criminal matters, administrative law, risk management and important issues such as violence and doping in sport. By the end of the course, the student should be able to identify a range of legal issues relevant in these industries, and apply the common law and statutory rules to various sports and recreational situations.

Students will build on their theoretical knowledge of the law and develop clear and effective communication skills through drafting legal documents for use by clients of law firms, corporate employers and government.

This course will examine the legal issues surrounding the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Canada. Students will explore the policy considerations that contributed to the regulation of cannabis, and will closely examine the regulatory framework at all levels of government. Students will be encouraged to think critically about that framework, with a view toward relevant considerations such as constitutional and human rights issues. Students will also learn about Indigenous jurisdiction and effects on Indigenous communities, the scope of activity relating to cannabis that remains illegal in Canada, workplace issues, commercial issues relating to Cannabis, and the impact of legalization on immigration and international affairs.

Students will learn to master techniques of legal interviewing through a conducting role play interviews and exercises in critical thinking and discussion about interviewing. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the paralegal with regard to interviewing clients, witnesses, etc., as well as an understanding of the social and interpersonal challenges to conducting an effective legal interview.

This course introduces students to both the theory and practice of conflict resolution from a legal perspective. Students will learn about how conflict arises, the factors that contribute to conflict, and various models for resolving conflict, including litigation, negotiation, and mediation. Students will also experience conflict resolution through role-plays involving various scenarios.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation and its applications in the practice of law and in business and professional life generally. Students will learn about techniques for calming the mind, reducing stress, and achieving greater mental clarity in making intelligent and informed decisions as a professional or as part of a business career. Students will also be introduced to medical evidence regarding the effects of meditation and the significance of meditation in a wider cultural context.

This course examines pre- and post-judgment creditors' remedies. It will include a consideration of garnishment, execution against land and personal property, and the law of foreclosure and bankruptcy.

Animal law is a dynamic field of legal inquiry and may involve issues relating to tort law, property law, criminal law, family law, contract law, environmental law and more. This course will introduce students to a broad range of laws that affect animals by investigating historical and current issues in animal law. Students will critically analyze how animal law works in practice by examining case law, policies and legislation and as substantive law is examined, students will consider companion, farm and wild animals and their status under Canadian and international laws. Students will engage in fundamental questions about non-human animals, law and society such as: What are the conceptual and legal differences between ‘animal rights’ and ‘animal welfare’? ‘Why are some animals highly valued while others are not?’

This course is designed to introduce students to the role of constitutional law in shaping Canadian society, with an emphasis on the major Supreme Court of Canada decisions that have had a substantial impact on people’s lives, civil rights, and the economy. The course will examine both the substantial issues addressed in these pivotal cases and the role of the Supreme Court and the judiciary as a whole in Canada’s legal, political, and economic system.

To provide the student with a basic understanding of the principles of administrative law, as derived from the common law and relevant statutes.

This course introduces students to the main legal topics involving First Nations in British Columbia and Indigenous people across Canada, including constitutional relations between governments, the Indian Act, Indigenous governance, citizenship, laws affecting Indigenous women, family law, treaty-making, and land and resource management issues.

In this course, students will study the principles and practices of environmental law in Canada. The course will focus on the main areas of protection of the environment – traditional tort law, environmental regulation, environmental assessments and international agreements. Students will gain a thorough knowledge of the current problems in enforcing environmental protections, including such important topics as biodiversity, climate change and the enforcement of international standards in bi-national and transnational law. Students will also critically assess both the effectiveness and, more fundamentally, the effect of Canadian and international environmental law.

Students will develop the skills to understand and apply principles of law relating to corporations including the formation and management of the corporation and the roles of the various stakeholders. Emphasis is on the Canada Business Corporations Act and the British Columbia Business Corporations Act. Also included is an overview of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and the responsibilities of corporations in relation to the environment.

This course will introduce students to Canadian securities law—primarily as it relates to the regulation of public companies, with an emphasis on British Columbia—through the study of legislation, regulatory policies and narrative secondary authorities. Students will gain an understanding of the overall regulatory framework and learn how to complete certain key procedures in relation to specific aspects of securities law practice.

Students develop mastery of the principles of corporate procedures through a practical, problem-solving study of the incorporation and post-incorporation process. Emphasis is on BC Business Corporations Act.

This course will examine the challenges confronting older adults in British Columbia, by looking at the legal framework within which they operate. Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to identify and analyze various legal issues relating to: assessment of mental capacity, independence, privacy, ethical obligations of caregivers and others, and the preparation of legal documents such as Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements.

This course will introduce students to the principles and practices of immigration, citizenship, and refugee law in Canada. The course will focus on the main areas of immigration – admissibility and inadmissibility and temporary and permanent entry into Canada. It will also deal with citizenship and refugees and protected persons.

The course introduces students to the key principles and sources of labour and employment law in Canada, with a focus on British Columbia. The course will divide the two main areas of the law-individual employment law and union labour law-into the two parts of the university term, beginning with the rights of individuals at common law. Students will gain a thorough knowledge of the current problems in employment and human rights in the workplace, before moving on to the study of collective bargaining and unionism.

This course introduces students to the role of law in shaping Canadian society, emphasizing Supreme Court of Canada decisions on topics such as access to justice, equality rights, freedom of speech and religion, the death penalty, and civil responsibility. This course is suitable both for legal students looking to understand law in social context and for non-law students looking to understand how law shapes and is shaped by the greater society.

This course is based on a supervised legal research project designed by the student in consultation with a faculty member, and involves 100 hours of research and study. This advanced research project will enable the student to acquire and apply legal knowledge and skills - through critical inquiry, legal research and analysis - to a complex problem in a specific field of the law. Students will learn to critically evaluate and analyse complex legal arguments, apply advanced research methods, and recognize the limits of knowledge and understanding in the law.

Students will develop an understanding of the issues central to insurance law through the application of theoretical concepts that apply to practical situations that arise in case analysis and legislation.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a continuing understanding of the issues raised in Canadian insurance law, including a review of motor vehicle insurance issues and legislation governing ICBC.

This course introduces students to both the theory and practice of trial advocacy for paralegals. Students will learn about steps in the litigation process, courtroom etiquette, ethical issues in legal advocacy and how to prepare and present a case in court. Student work will focus on gaining experience on oral advocacy, including examination, cross examination through role-plays and mock trials involving various real-life scenarios.

This course will introduce the student to the various ethical principles and exceptions guiding the legal profession, and the application of these principles and exceptions to key areas of practice. Students will learn to effectively describe and explain the various ethical obligations to the state, to courts and tribunals, to the profession and the public, and to clients, including the disciplinary consequences for professional malpractice.

Students will apply sound thinking to resolution of practical applications of the Supreme Court Civil Rules and procedures that apply to pre-trial investigation and court applications, including preparation of documents for interlocutory applications, preparation and enforcement of court orders, preparation of bills of costs, and small claims procedures.

In this course, students will focus on the entire process of a civil litigation claim from commencing proceedings, including parties and pleadings, to trial and appeal. The course will examine the main issues faced during a typical litigation claim during discovery, including the various potential interlocutory applications. Students will gain an understanding of the substantive law relating to civil litigation, as opposed to the procedure.

This course will look at the document discovery process as it relates to document preservation, collection, review, and production with a particular focus on electronic discovery tools. Students will be provided with access to a working database of documents that is set up for a mock client. The database that students will use contains thousands of documents. Based on the mock client’s needs, students will learn how to build, manipulate, support and maintain the database. Students will gain the ability to understand and use e-discovery tools that are necessary in the legal industry, particularly with respect to litigation.

Students will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the day-to-day workings of a law office. Particular emphasis will be placed on: practice management systems used in small and large law firms; the impact of technology on the legal profession; computerized applications of law office systems; the solicitor/client relationship; the BC Law Society Rules; professional ethics and the role of the paralegal; and law office accounting procedures, including the Law Society Rules on trust accounting.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles governing the law of real property using the case study method and through a review of legislation affecting real property, including the Land Title Act, Property Law Act and Law and Equity Act. Students will become familiar with the BC Torrens registry land title system and its application in a common law jurisdiction.

Students will learn basic conveyance and mortgage procedures in BC. They will learn to prepare documents required in a conveyance and mortgage procedure from a purchaser's perspective as well as a vendor's perspective. They will learn about ancillary concepts and documents required in other Land Title Office related transactions as well as understand foreclosure procedures. They will also be able to apply conveyancing principles to advanced practical problem-solving exercises.

This course will examine the legal issues facing legal practitioners in the area of commercial real estate development. This is an advanced course building upon the skills learned in LAW 442 Conveyancing Procedures. The student will learn about the real estate development process as well as garner an understanding of the basic legal principles, legislation and legal documents involved. By the end of the course, the student should be able to identify a range of legal issues as well as prepare documents relevant to the Real Estate Development Practice for everything from land acquisition, to legal requirements for development financing and marketing, as well as the unique planning and regulatory environment of the Vancouver Municipality.

Students will develop an understanding of the common law relating to intellectual property, as well as engage in a general review of Canadian legislation affecting intellectual property, its management and the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Indigenous perspectives and new issues and problems created by the Internet and e-commerce will also be examined.

This course will examine the legal issues behind structuring and financing the tech start-up. Students will learn about early stage structuring from proprietorship to corporation and the legal advantages and pitfalls of each structure. They will also learn about the legal framework behind the angel investment round, tax incentive programs and legal liability, early stage debt financing options, investment due diligence, Series A financing, drafting the term sheet, and post Series A financing. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify a range of legal issues as well as prepare a Series A financing term sheet for a tech start-up.

This course will introduce students to international law and explore its basic principles and structures, including its historical development, subjects and sources of international law, international human rights, indigenous peoples, international trade and environmental law, law of the sea, and war and conflict, and global governance institutions.

This course will introduce the principles and institutions of international human rights law and the legal instruments designed for their protection. The extent to which international law is an effective vehicle for the protection of human rights will be considered, as well as questions about cultural relativism and the universality of human rights. The course will explore the nature of civil and political rights, social and economic rights, and the rights of women, Indigenous peoples, children and persons with disabilities. In addition, the role of non-governmental organizations and international courts and tribunals will be examined.

This course will provide students with a foundation for understanding the international human rights system and examine how women’s rights pose particular challenges and opportunities for the realization of human rights and social justice. Attention will be paid to women’s experience of human rights violations as gendered. The course will explore issues of cultural relativism, gender mainstreaming and the intersectionality of rights, Aboriginal women’s rights, women’s health, women and religion, violence against women and women and governance.

In this course students will study some of the major crimes that have been made subject to international investigation and enforcement; principally, war crimes, crimes against humanity, terrorism, and state-sponsored crime. Students will gain a thorough knowledge of the ongoing challenges facing the International Criminal Court and domestic courts in North America, Europe and Asia in the investigation, prosecution and punishment of international and transnational crimes.

This is a survey course of basic doctrines and current issues in jurisprudence and legal theory. Topics include natural law theory, legal positivism, legal realism, feminist legal theory, critical race theory, individual liberty, and international law.

This course is based on a supervised legal research project designed by the student in consultation with a faculty member, and involves 100 hours of research and study. This advanced research project will enable the student to acquire and apply legal knowledge and skills - through critical inquiry, legal research and analysis - to a complex problem in a specific field of the law. Students will learn to critically evaluate and analyse complex legal arguments, apply advanced research methods, and recognize the limits of knowledge and understanding in the law.

Students will be assisted in obtaining a paid practicum placement. Students will participate in the following instructional sessions: résumé and cover letter preparation; interviewing techniques; and practicum search and follow-up. The student will complete a six-month (five full working days per week) paid practicum in a law firm, government law department, corporate law department, or other law-related employment as approved by the practicum instructor. The practicum employer will provide meaningful projects appropriate for an entry-level paralegal designed to encourage personal responsibility, independent problem solving, and the application of high ethical standards. The student must be supervised by a lawyer during the practicum.