A.A.S. Tribal Advocate/Paralegal: Courses

• Certificate
• Associate of Applied Science

Certificate

The certificate in Tribal Advocate/Paralegal is designed for students who have already met the general education requirements and/or have obtained an Associate or Bachelor degree. The certificate can assist in providing a foundation to those students interested in attending law school. Students who earn this certificate can apply for licensure to practice in the Turtle Mountain Tribal Court system as well as other tribal court systems.

Beginning in the fall of 2008, all legal studies students will need to complete the prerequisites of ENGL 120 Composition II and COMM 110 Public Speaking prior to enrollment in the legal studies courses. There are a total of 34 credit hours in the core legal studies program. Students begin in the summer session with Introduction to Legal Studies and Ethics. This is followed by 12 legal specialty credit hours in the fall and 16 legal specialty credit hours in the spring. An internship of 120 hours is completed the following summer session.

Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science degree is designed for beginning students, or for those who have not yet earned a degree. There are a total of 34 credit hours in the core legal studies program. In the Spring of 2009 students will begin with Introduction to Legal Studies and Ethics. This is followed by 12 legal specialty credit hours in the fall and 16 legal speciality credit hours in the spring. An internship of 120 hours is completed the following summer session.

The Associate of Applied Science Tribal Advocacy/Paralegal degree will allow a graduate to apply for licensure with the Turtle Mountain Judicial Board to practice in the Turtle Mountain Tribal Court as a tribal advocate. Tribal advocates can also apply for licenses from other tribal jurisdictions, dependent upon the qualifications of each tribal nation. Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree will also have skills to perform duties as a paralegal within a law firm or other law environment.