What is the People's Law School?

PLS Logo - 300h

The People's Law School offers a half-day curriculum of courses designed to educate consumers about their legal rights and to make the law "user friendly." The courses are taught by volunteer attorneys and legal experts.

This has become an annual event sponsored by Baylor Law School and other organizations for the benefit of the Central Texas community. It is absolutely free to attend.

Participants may choose up to three courses from the 14, hour-long courses offered. The courses focused on useful issues such as consumer rights, small businesses, landlord/tenant rights, retirement planning, wills, elder law, employment law, and family law.

Join us on Saturday morning, February 15, 2014 at the Baylor Law School located at 1114 South University Parks Drive in Waco. We'll start check-ins and walk-in registrations at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby. We hope to see you there.

Registration is now CLOSED

Walk-ins are Welcome!!

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 seller's disclosure obligations, and related issues.

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.

The Criminal Justice System
Does an indictment mean a person is guilty of a crime? What does it mean that you can "indict a ham sandwich?" How does the grand jury work, and what does it do anyway? When does "guilt beyond a reasonable doubt" apply? Learn about how a case proceeds through the criminal process in this course.

Debt Collection, Fair Credit, and Other Such Matters
What rights do debtors have? What is permissible for debt collectors and what crosses the line into a violation? What goes into your credit report? What rights do you have? Participants in this course will learn how the law protects consumers.

Elder Law
This course provides an overview of issues important to senior citizens and those who care about them, including 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 related issues.

Family Law II
In this course, participants will learn about the law regarding child custody and visitation duties and rights, child support, and grandparent's rights.

Intellectual Property for the Common Person
When can you copy a DVD or include another photographer's picture in your social media without infringing the owner's copyright? What's the difference between copyright and trademark law? The instructor of this course will provide attendees a brief primer on this area of the law.

The Knowledgeable Health Care Consumer
HIPAA, PHI, HMO, PPO, EMTALA: What do these terms mean? This course will provide a consumer-friendly explanation of the alphabet soup of health care and provide a platform for a better understanding of how each impacts you?

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.

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.

Privacy Law
The instructor of this course will look at this evolving area of the law and address what privacy rights individuals have in a variety of contexts.

Separation of Church and State
This course is for those who want a better understanding of the relations between religion and government and what the Supreme Court has said about the First Amendment and religion, with a consideration of the cases currently pending before the Supreme Court regarding religious freedom and the provision of contraceptives as part of the Affordable Care Act.

Small Claims Court
Technically, we don't have small claims courts in Texas, but nonetheless, you'll learn what you need to know to bring or defend your case in the Justice of the Peace courts.

Stand Your Ground, Self-Defense, and the Castle Doctrine: What's the Difference?
There's been a good deal in the news about "stand your ground". How does it differ from the self-defense concept? What is the castle doctrine and when does it apply? Those areas will be addressed in this new course.

Veteran's Rights
Attendees to this course will gain a better understanding of veteran's rights and benefits and working with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Wills and Estate Planning
Everyone should have a will. Students will learn about the requirements of a valid will and basic estate planning considerations.
