FRSC204 Legal Aspects of Emergency Services
Department of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies: Fire Science
- I. Course Number and Title
- FRSC204 Legal Aspects of Emergency Services
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- FRSC100 (C or better) or permission of the Department of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- This course aligns with Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) associate degree curriculum requirements.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course introduces the Federal, State, and local laws that regulate emergency services and includes a review of national standards, regulations, and consensus standards influencing emergency services.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- Define the different types of laws;
- Discuss Federal, State, and local laws and liabilities applicable to emergency services;
- Explain the purpose of national codes and standards;
- Discuss applicable court decisions that have influenced emergency services; and
- Recognize the legal issues and concerns affecting emergency services.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- The Legal System of the United States
- Foundations
- U.S. Constitution
- Civil versus Criminal
- Differences
- Lawsuits
- Punishments
- Burden of proof
- Tort Liability
- Negligence
- Judicial System
- The court system
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Special courts
- Local courts
- Penalties
- Federal Laws and the Fire Service
- Fair Labor Standards Act
- Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
- American with Disabilities Act
- Age discrimination
- Civil Rights
- Sexual harassment
- Employee Relations
- Physical testing - Entrance requirements
- Residency requirements
- Grooming standards
- Promotional testing
- Psychological examinations
- Polygraphs
- Fire Prevention and Fire Codes
- Fourth amendment
- Certifications
- Building code versus fire code
- Civil versus Criminal
- Mutual Aid
- Hazardous Materials
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Volunteers, Contracts, and At-will Doctrine
- Arson
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Students satisfy the course learning goals via class discussions, written exams, assignments, papers, and/or performance based tasks and projects. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date 6/2016