Applied Legal Studies Courses

ALS 601 - Canadian Legal System (3)

Designed to give students a systematic knowledge of the workings of Canadian law and the Canadian legal system. Provides a comprehensive discussion of the various principles and schools of jurisprudence, and will canvass the basic legal institutions in Canada. Considers the history of Canadian law, the development of the framework of the Canadian constitution, the Constitution itself, the roles and responsibilities of Canadian courts and the roles and responsibilities of members of the legal profession. Ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature of legal reasoning, the doctrines of precedent and stare decicis, and the key rules and principles of statutory interpretation. Students will also be given a systematic introduction to four substantive areas of law: criminal law, administrative law, family law, and tort law.

ALS 602 - Legal Research and Writing (3)

Designed to give students a solid foundation in legal research and writing skills. Provides students with an overview of how both legislation and case law are created, including consideration of the basic principles of legal analysis. Proper legal research techniques and strategies will be considered for both primary and secondary legal sources. Consideration will also be given to the many on-line legal research resources. Finally, students will receive instruction in the general principles of legal writing and apply these principles to different types of legal writing including analytical writing and the drafting of legal documents.

ALS 603 - Legal Philosophy (3)

Designed to give students a solid grounding in the central themes of legal philosophy. Examines the major schools of jurisprudence. Affords an opportunity to reflect in a disciplined and critical way on the structure and functions of law, legal institutions and systems. Involves an analysis of the nature of legal reasoning and discourse, and looks to the connections between law and morality.

ALS 610 - Contracts (3)

Introduces students to the fundamental principles underlying Contract Law in Canada, and the practical application of such principles in the commercial environment. Students will learn the essential elements of what makes an "enforceable contract" such as offer and acceptance, certainty of terms, form and consideration as well as those things that may well make a contract unenforceable, such as misrepresentation, frustration, duress and privity issues. Warranties, representations, conditions and remedies for breach of contract will also be covered, as will contractual interpretation.

ALS 611 - Real Property I (3)

Involves the study of basic principles and statutory regimes which govern the institution of Real Property. Topics addressed will include: the legal concept of land, the nature of and rationale for property, transfer of interests in land, registration of title and the nature of the land title system, the acquisition of estates in land, co-ownership of land, and future interests.

ALS 612 - Real Property II (3)

Deals with the law relating to vendors and purchasers of real estate, particularly as affected by the substantive law of mortgages, and considers the remedies available to vendors, purchasers, mortgagors and mortgagees, as well as the role and duties of real estate agents. Also deals with residential and commercial tenancies.

ALS 615 - Personal Planning (3)

Provides an overview of the law of succession and familiarizes students with the principles necessary to competently advise clients about the transfer of property on death and to draft a will that meets the client's objectives. Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements as planning tools will be examined.

ALS 620 - Selected Topics in Applied Legal Studies (3)

Designed to give students a detailed understanding of key topics in applied legal studies, with a particular emphasis upon areas of low and practice that are of special interest to Notaries Public. Topics may change from year to year and may vary by in instructor but it is anticipated that topics will include, the law of agency; current issues in tax law; the law affecting business/not for profit incorporation, and business associations.

ALS 630 - Topics in Legal Practice (6)

Builds on the theoretical understanding students have by exploring how the legal advisor assists clients in effectively dealing with their issues. Topics range from the purpose of legal professionals to developing sustainable strategies for the operation of a legal practice.

ALS 631 - MA Examination (3)

A final examination on core subjects, which will normally occur towards the end of the student's fourth term in the program. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.