⚖️ Consumer Legal & Litigation Basics (US)

A plain-English, non-lawyer guide to how the US legal system works, your everyday rights, and how disputes really get resolved. The course is organized into 11 modules, ending with a final exam (pass mark 80%). It is independent, free exam-preparation training — not an official or accredited review course.

What you'll learn

• How to Study Law as a Non-Lawyer
• The Legal System: Civil, Criminal & Courts
• Jurisdiction & When You Need a Lawyer
• Contracts: What Makes Them Enforceable
• Breach of Contract & Remedies
• Personal Injury: Negligence & Damages
• Statutes of Limitations: Deadlines Matter
• Demand Letters & Pre-Litigation Negotiation
• Small Claims Court
• Employment & Consumer Rights
• Fees, Settlement Strategy & Next Steps

Learning objectives

• Explain the structure of the US legal system, including the difference between civil and criminal law, courts, and jurisdiction.
• Recognize when a situation realistically calls for a licensed attorney versus when self-help may be reasonable.
• Identify the core elements of an enforceable contract and spot common clauses, breaches, and remedies.
• Understand how personal injury claims work, from negligence and liability to damages and the settlement process.
• Appreciate why statutes of limitations and procedural deadlines can make or break a claim.
• Navigate practical tools like demand letters, pre-litigation negotiation, and small claims court.
• Understand consumer and employment rights, how legal fees are structured, and how to think about settling versus litigating.