- Introduction to law, including an overview of the American legal system, federal and California court systems, and administrative law. Topics include legal ethics, professional responsibility and the role of the legal professional; overview of civil and criminal law, torts, family and probate law, contracts, real property, and business law; basic concepts of legal research, analysis and writing, including statutory and case law; stages of a lawsuit; the basics of civil procedure, litigation, pleadings and discovery; investigation procedures and interviewing; terminology; spotting legal issues; understanding client relationships; law office procedures.