PLA 1361 - Techniques of Interview and Investigation

College of Policy, Ethics and Legal Studies

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2014 (490)

Requisites

Pre- or Co-requisite PLA 1003 with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This course is designed to enhance communication skills and acquaint the student with the techniques of skillful investigation. Students will receive training in methods of interviewing. Fact analysis, sources of evidence and special investigative problems will be explored. Emphasis is placed on human relations skills in working with people.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate essential communication skills for interviewing by:
    1. discussing the principles, guidelines and techniques of interviewing.
    2. critiquing interview situations from videotaped playbacks.
    3. conducting an interview using prepared forms and checklists.
    4. writing a concise synopsis of an interview session.
  2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the techniques of skillful investigation by:
    1. explaining the basic concepts of legal investigation.
    2. describing the proper guidelines for gaining access to records.
    3. conducting background investigation, given a specialized form.
    4. conducting various types of investigations and presenting written findings in investigative memoranda form.
    5. discussing the various ethical issues arising in the area of interviewing and investigation.
  3. The student will demonstrate an understanding of methods of interviewing and fact analysis by:
    1. listing the various types of legal interviews.
    2. discussing the prerequisites to a successful legal interview.
    3. developing a fact analysis in chart form, given a hypothetical situation.
    4. determining the consistency of testimonial evidence by using a checklist procedure in a hypothetical situation.
    5. listing the various kinds of witnesses.
  4. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the human skills necessary in working with people by:
    1. diagramming an effective seating arrangement for maximizing communication in an interview.
    2. discussing and applying psychology and good human relations skills in a variety of interview situations.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 80% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

Revised 7/21/83 Revised 8/84 Revised 8/85 SCN Change 2/23/88 Effective Session 19891. Reviewed C&I 10/23/90. 3 YR C&I Review 8/94. 3 Yr Review 8/97. C&I 10/23/01, BOT 11/20/01 Effective yrtr 20012 (Session II, 2001). 3-Year Review 2010: Acceptable As Is
C&I Approval: 05/31/2013, BOT Approval: 06/17/2014, Effective Term: Fall 2014 (490)

Related Programs

  1. Paralegal Studies (LEGAL-CT) (580) (Active)
  2. Paralegal Studies (LEGAL-AS) (640) (Active)