Instructor: Tieranny Decuir

Email: decuirts@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6548

Office Hours: Monday -9:00am-4:30pm Tuesday - 2:00pm-4:00pm

Wednesday- 9:00am-4:30pm Thursday- 2:00pm-4:00pm Friday- Appointment Only

Additional Contact Information: None

Fundamental concepts of tort and personal injury law including intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability with emphasis on the paralegal's role.

Personal Injury and the Law of Torts for Paralegals, Sixth Editon

ISBN 9781543858624

Publisher- Aspen

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

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LGLA-1307 Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions

Use terminology relating to tort and personal injury law;

Analyze sources relating to tort and personal injury law;

Draft documents used in tort and personal injury law;

And analyze the ethical considerations of the paralegal's role in tort and personal injury law

1. Understand legal terms and the paralegal’s role in the legal environment.

2. Apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents.

3. Demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment.

4. Exhibit the ability to use computer skills.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Torts and Negligence

Chapter 2: First Element of Negligence – Duty

Chapter 3: Second Element of Negligence – Breach of Duty

Chapter 4: Third Element of Negligence – Causation of Injury

Chapter 5: Fourth Element of Negligence – Damages

Chapter 7: Defenses to Negligence

Chapter 8: Medical Malpractice

Chapter 15: Discovery and Review of Medical Records

Chapter 9: Intentional Torts to Persons

Chapter 10: Intentional Torts to Property

Chapter 11: Defenses to Intentional Torts and Immunities

Chapter 12: Strict Liability and Products Liability Chapter 13: Nuisance

Chapter 14: Workers’ Compensation

Chapter 16: The Tort Litigation Process Before Trial

Chapter 17: The Tort Litigation Process During Trial 

Week 1: Introduction to Tort Law • Overview: Understanding tort law and its place within the legal system. • Reading: Chapter 1 of the textbook. • Assignments: Brief overview essay on the history and purpose of tort law. • Discussion: The differences between torts, crimes, and contract law.

Week 2: Intentional Torts • Overview: Exploring various types of intentional torts such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. • Reading: Chapter 2. • Assignments: Case brief on a landmark intentional tort case. • Discussion: Real-life examples of intentional torts and their implications.

Week 3: Defenses to Intentional Torts • Overview: Understanding the defenses available against intentional torts, including consent, self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property. • Reading: Chapter 3. • Assignments: Research and present a defense strategy for a hypothetical case. • Discussion: Analyzing successful defenses in historical cases.

Week 4: Introduction to Negligence • Overview: Introduction to the concept of negligence and its importance in tort law. • Reading: Chapter 4. • Assignments: Outline the key elements of negligence. • Discussion: Differentiating between negligence and intentional torts

Week 5: Duty – Element of Negligence • Overview: Detailed study on the duty of care and how it is established in negligence cases. • Reading: Chapter 5. • Assignments: Write a memo on the duty of care in a hypothetical scenario. • Discussion: The significance of duty in negligence claims. 6

Week 6: Negligence: Breach • Overview: Examining what constitutes a breach of duty and how it is proven in court. • Reading: Chapter 6. • Assignments: Analyze a case study on breach of duty. • Discussion: Real-life examples of breach and their outcomes.

Week 7: Negligence: Causation • Overview: Understanding causation in fact and proximate causation. • Reading: Chapter 7. • Assignments: Flowchart demonstrating the causation process in a negligence case. • Discussion: Challenges in proving causation.

Week 8: Negligence: Damages • Overview: Types of damages in negligence cases, including compensatory and punitive damages. • Reading: Chapter 8. • Assignments: Case brief on a significant damages award in a negligence case. • Discussion: The impact of damages on plaintiffs and defendants.

Week 9: Defenses to Negligence • Overview: Common defenses to negligence, such as contributory negligence, comparative negligence, and assumption of risk. • Reading: Chapter 9. • Assignments: Debate on the fairness of contributory vs. comparative negligence. • Discussion: Evaluating defenses in recent negligence cases.

Week 10: Strict Liability & Products Liability • Overview: The principles of strict liability and how they apply to product liability cases. • Reading: Chapter 10. • Assignments: Research paper on a product liability case. • Discussion: The impact of strict liability on manufacturers and consumers.

Week 11: Defamation • Overview: Understanding defamation, including libel and slander, and defenses against defamation claims. • Reading: Chapter 11. • Assignments: Mock trial on a defamation case. • Discussion: The balance between freedom of speech and protecting reputation.

Week 12: Malpractice • Overview: Examining professional malpractice, including medical and legal malpractice. • Reading: Chapter 12. • Assignments: Case study analysis of a malpractice lawsuit. • Discussion: The ethical and legal responsibilities of professionals.

Week 13: Insurance • Overview: The role of insurance in tort law, including liability insurance and the claims process. • Reading: Chapter 13. • Assignments: Report on the impact of insurance on tort litigation. • Discussion: The interplay between insurance companies and plaintiffs/defendants.

Week 14: Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Business Torts • Overview: Understanding various business-related torts, including fraud and misrepresentation. • Reading: Chapter 14. • Assignments: Develop a legal strategy for a hypothetical business tort case. • Discussion: The effects of tortious conduct on businesses.

Week 15: Review and Case Studies • Overview: Review of all covered topics through detailed case studies. • Reading: Selected case studies provided by the instructor. • Assignments: Comprehensive case study analysis. • Discussion: Integrating knowledge from the course to analyze complex tort scenarios.

Week 16: Final Exam and Course Wrap-Up • Overview: Final examination covering all course topics. • Reading: Review notes and key textbook chapters. • Assignments: Final exam. • Discussion: Course feedback and discussion on career applications of tort law knowledge.

December 4th, 2026 at 8:00am-December 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Student must make a 70 (C) or above in order to pass this class.

Discussions- 20%

Exams - 30%

Assignments - 20%

Journals 10%

Final Exam - 20%

Weekly Expectations

1. Read the assigned chapter(s) for the week.

2. View the PowerPoints for the designated chapters.

3. Complete all weekly assignments in Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.

Exams & Assignments

·        All exams will open during their designated week.

·        If a student fails to complete an exam before the closing date, a zero will be given unless an excused absence is provided (examples: illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment, etc.).

·        Students with an excused absence must make arrangements with the instructor to complete a make-up exam.

Exams may include:

·        Multiple-choice questions

·        True/False questions

·        Short answer questions

·        Essay questions

·        Fill-in-the-blank questions

Textbooks

Students must have a copy of the required textbook or eBook no later than the second week of class (or as soon as it is available from the bookstore).

Grading

Grades will be posted in Blackboard. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades and averages—instructors will not calculate averages for students.

Grades will not be discussed over the phone. If you wish to discuss grades, you must meet in person during office hours or email the instructor. 

Make-Up & Late Work

Acceptance of late or make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.

Conditional AI Policy

The emergence of generative AI tools has sparked interest among students in our discipline. These tools can support brainstorming, exploring possible responses, and creatively engaging with course material. While AI can provide feedback, assistive technology, and language support, it cannot replace working directly with your instructor. Please contact me in advance if you plan to use AI tools for assignments so we can clarify what is acceptable.

Guidelines for AI Use in this Course:

1. Attribution Required: Students must give credit for any AI-assisted work, even if it is used only to generate ideas rather than final text or illustrations. When AI is used in assignments, include an appendix detailing: a. The AI interactions, highlighting the relevant sections. b. How AI was used (e.g., generating ideas, refining language, exploring concepts). c. Why AI was used (e.g., to save time, overcome writer’s block, stimulate thinking, clarify prose).

2. Prohibited Use: AI-generated content may not be submitted as your own work for assignments, exams, or projects unless explicitly approved. Use of AI in in-class examinations or for graded assignments without permission is prohibited.

3. Responsible Use: Use AI tools wisely and reflectively, with the goal of deepening your understanding of the subject matter. You are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-assisted content, ensuring it does not violate academic honesty standards, intellectual property laws, or privacy regulations. AI may be used for research preparation, text editing, or idea generation, but all submitted work must be written and finalized by the student.

4. Academic Integrity: Misrepresenting AI-assisted work as entirely your own constitutes academic misconduct. Violations of this policy will be handled according to Lamar State College Port Arthur academic integrity policies.

Instructor Guidance: Instructors may provide specific guidance on AI use in class exercises and projects. Students are encouraged to ask for clarification if unsure whether a particular use of AI is acceptable.

Academic Integrity:

1. Any student caught cheating or lending their work to another student will receive a zero on the assignment. Note: There is a difference between helping someone understand the work and giving them your assignment to copy.

2. Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.

Student Responsibilities:

Students must regularly check their email and Blackboard Ultra for class updates, schedule changes, or announcements.

Failure to follow written or oral instructions may result in penalties.

Technical Issues:

Blackboard Issues: Login, password, or software problems must be resolved through the IT Department. Inform your instructor of any delays that cannot be resolved before deadlines.

Pearson Issues: Contact Pearson Technical Support directly. Notify your instructor if Pearson related issues cause delays in completing coursework.

Attendance is based on active participation in weekly discussion posts within Blackboard Ultra. Students are expected to post and respond in discussion boards by the assigned deadlines. Failure to participate in discussion activities may result in being marked absent for that week. Regular participation in discussions demonstrates engagement with course content and contributes to overall success in the course. 

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Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.