Baylor Law School will host 8th Annual People's Law School Feb. 16

Contact: Janet Perez, (254) 710-6681 or Frank Raczkiewicz, (254) 710-1964
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WACO, Texas (Feb. 13, 2013) - The Baylor University Law School once again is hosting its annual People's Law School, a free half-day curriculum of courses designed to educate consumers about their legal rights and to make the law "user friendly." This year, the People's Law School will include for the first time classes aimed at explaining the Second Amendment.

The event will be held 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Baylor Law School, 1114 S. University Parks Drive, Waco. Volunteer attorneys and legal experts teach the courses.

"Baylor Law School, along with other area organizations such as the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association, offers the People's Law School as a way to make the law less confusing for members of our Central Texas community," said Patricia Wilson, professor of law at Baylor Law School and director of the People's Law School. "This event will not answer every question, but it can provide a roadmap to point people in the right direction as they look for help on legal issues affecting their personal and business lives."

Participants may choose up to three courses from the 18, hour-long courses offered. Along with the Second Amendment, this year's courses focus on important issues such as consumer rights, small businesses, landlord/tenant rights, retirement planning, wills, elder law, employment law, and family law.

Among the event's sponsors are the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association, KWTX and the Waco Tribune-Herald.

To register online, or for more information, go to baylor.edu/law/pls. Registration ends Feb.15 at noon.

The complete list of courses is below:

Buying and Selling Real Estate

A look at what buyers and sellers should know about real estate transactions, including the contract of sale, title insurance, the sellers disclosure obligations, and other related issues.

Separation of Church and State

This course is for those who desire a better understanding of the relations between religion and government, detailing what the Supreme Court has said about the First Amendment and religion.

Consumer Law

The instructor for this class will provide an overview of some of the more important consumer protection statutes, including the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Elder Law

This course offers an overview of issues important to senior citizens and those who care about them, providing a review of long-term care planning, including Medicaid eligibility.

Employment Law

Whether one is an employer or an employee, attendees will receive an overview of the law that governs the employment relationship, including the employment-at-will doctrine and employment discrimination.

Family Law I

The instructor of this course will provide a brief overview of divorce, protective orders, and other related issues.

Family Law II

In this course, participants will learn about the law regarding child custody and visitation duties and rights, child support, as well as grandparents' rights.

Finding the Law

This is the course for people who wish to know how to use the library and the Internet to find cases, statutes, and other law-related items.

Introduction to the Constitution

Students in this course will get a basic overview of some of the more frequently discussed provisions of the United States Constitution, with a particular focus on the Bill of Rights.

Law School: How to Get In

Whether you are currently in college or contemplating a second career, this course will provide you the information you need if you are considering applying to Baylor or another law school.

Landlord/Tenant

This course will provide valuable information for both landlords and tenants on the Fair Housing Act, security deposits, the landlord's responsibility for repairs, and eviction.

The Health Care Reform Act

How does the Health Care Reform Act affect consumers, and what is the impact on small businesses? This course is designed to provide attendees a basic understanding of health care reform.

The McDonald's Hot Coffee Case: A Look at Tort Reform

Students in this course will learn the full story of the case in which McDonald's was sued because its coffee was too hot as they review other issues related to tort reform.

Professional Sports Teams and Their Legal Issues

Recently there have been lockouts or strikes involving professional football and hockey. This course is for sports fans who desire a better understanding of the legal issues pertaining to this area.

Small Business Law

This course provides information for the small business owner, including the difference between sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, as well as tips to avoid legal pitfalls.

Veteran's Rights

Attendees to this course will gain a better understanding of veteran's rights and benefits, as well as information on working with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Wills and Estate Planning

Everyone should have a will. Students attending this course will learn about the requirements of a valid will and basic estate planning considerations.

The Second Amendment

Are the President's proposals on gun control constitutional? This course will look at what the Second Amendment says and how the courts have interpreted it.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT BAYLOR LAW SCHOOL
Established in 1857, Baylor Law School was the first law school in Texas and one of the first west of the Mississippi River. Today, the school has more than 7,000 living alumni. It is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Baylor Law School has a record of producing outstanding lawyers, many of whom decide upon a career in public service. The Law School boasts two governors, members or former members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, two former directors of the FBI, U.S. ambassadors, federal judges, justices of the Texas Supreme Court and members of the Texas Legislature, among its notable alumni. In its law specialties rankings, U.S.News & World Report ranked Baylor Law's trial advocacy program as the fifth best in the nation. Baylor Law School is ranked No. 51 in the magazine's 2012 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools." Learn more at www.baylor.edu/law.