Course Description

Course Title: Interviewing and Investigating Techniques
Course Number: PA 2206
Credits: 2 semester credits
Prerequisites: PA 1102 - Introduction to Law and Contracts
Recommendations: This course requires the knowledge of legal analysis, the ability to do light legal research based on directions provided by the instructor, and the aptitude to learn how to draft pleadings or legal documents.
Catalog Description: Examines general techniques of interviewing and investigating with special emphasis placed on the practical aspects of interviewing witnesses and clients, and investigating cases.
Outcomes: Students will be able to:
  • Prepare, plan and conduct both client and witness interviews.
  • Utilize perceptual interviewing techniques resulting in effective interviewing.
  • Demonstrate issue recognition, and organize and use facts from clients and witnesses to develop the case or draft documents.
  • Use and design effective and proper listening and questioning techniques.
  • Describe, illustrate and choose how to conduct an effective and proper legal investigation, obtaining statements, evidence and other reports.
  • Recall, interpret and analyze the basic rules of legal professional responsibility, ethics and confidentiality, and the unauthorized practice of law.
  • Differentiate and choose between civil and criminal investigation and discovery techniques.
  • Obtain knowledge of, interpret and analyze accident and investigatory reports utilized by law enforcement agencies.
Topics Covered: I. Introduction
  • Planning, preparing and structuring the interview (3 Hours)
  • Verbal and nonverbal skills (3 Hours)
  • Effective listening skills (3 Hours)
  • Issue recognition (3 Hours)
  • Special Circumstances (3 Hours)
  • Interviewing witnesses (3 Hours)

II. Investigation
  • Preliminary investigation (3 Hours)
  • Evidence (3 Hours)
  • Differences between legal and investigative interviewing (2 Hours)
  • Preparation for trial (3 Hours)
  • Civil and criminal investigation
    (3 Hours)

Total Semester Hours: 32 Hours

Outcomes Measures: The student may take exam(s) and may be graded on class participation and written assignments. The final grade will be a letter grade (A-F).

< back