


Introduction to the Legal System
LAW-40000
Be introduced to sources of American law and the systems by which the law is administered and enforced. Review the origins of law through the study of the U.S. Constitution and its development and adaptation into today's legal systems. Gain practical knowledge of the courts and their impact on everyday life.
Course Format
UCSD Extended Studies operates in Pacific Standard Time and therefore all course deadlines are held to Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 3/28/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Julia Dunlap, J.D.

Director of Legal Education, UC San Diego
Julia M. Dunlap, Esq., is the Director of Business, Legal, and Safety Programs for UC San Diego Extension's Business certificates, ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate Program, the Intellectual Property Certificate Program, and the OSHA Training Institute Education Center. Ms. Dunlap received her Bachelor of Art's degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of San Diego, School of Law, and became an active member of the California State Bar in 1993. She is licensed to practice before California and Federal courts. In addition to her duties at UC San Diego, she is a sole practitioner specializing in estate planning. A lawyer by training but an educator at heart, Ms. Dunlap currently teaches Legal Communications and Legal Research & Analysis at UC San Diego Extension. She has played an active role in legal education for over 20 years and is a staunch supporter of the important role paralegals play in the legal profession. As a past president of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), Julia is considered an expert in the field of training and education of non-lawyers.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 5/22/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Julia Dunlap, J.D.

Director of Legal Education, UC San Diego
Julia M. Dunlap, Esq., is the Director of Business, Legal, and Safety Programs for UC San Diego Extension's Business certificates, ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate Program, the Intellectual Property Certificate Program, and the OSHA Training Institute Education Center. Ms. Dunlap received her Bachelor of Art's degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of San Diego, School of Law, and became an active member of the California State Bar in 1993. She is licensed to practice before California and Federal courts. In addition to her duties at UC San Diego, she is a sole practitioner specializing in estate planning. A lawyer by training but an educator at heart, Ms. Dunlap currently teaches Legal Communications and Legal Research & Analysis at UC San Diego Extension. She has played an active role in legal education for over 20 years and is a staunch supporter of the important role paralegals play in the legal profession. As a past president of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), Julia is considered an expert in the field of training and education of non-lawyers.