Dear Student

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is for students to analyze the elements of various issues, identify strengths and weaknesses in an employment action, and evaluate the any defenses.

Course Objective(s): critique employment law scenarios and analyze specific forms of workplace discrimination prohibited under statutory and case law.

Points:10 points (2 pts.-grammar, 2 pts- identifying the issue(s) and using appropriate legal terminology, 4 pts-analyzing the relevant law and applying the law to the facts/issue, and 2 pts.-use of sources to support the analysis)

Instructions :

Students serve as an advice columnist for The College Times Newspaper. The Newspaper reports on all employment issues that occur in Newspaperland and the surrounding area. However, the newspaper has a section entitled “Dear Student” where employees, employers, friends, defendants, and other members of the public write in to the newspaper with various employment issues and they expect answers-accurate answers. As the advice columnist, students must read, analyze and accurately respond to the public inquiries. Please provide a detailed explanation for your response based on your textbook, relevant statutes and/or case law, if applicable. Students must cite relevant statutes and/or case law when applicable. Please note that paralegal students must provide legal advice in Newspaperland.

Dear Student:

I applied to the following job announcement:

Prominent local personal injury firm is seeking a full time, young and energetic, experienced paralegal to support a busy male partner. Successful candidate must be qualified to work in a fast-paced environment, be proficient in Word and Outlook, be detail-oriented, and able to work some evenings and weekends. Must have a U.S. Passport. Must be capable of working independently.

The company called me in for an interview. I believe it went well, but the employer asked questions such as:

1. Why do you want to work here?
2. I see you went to Catonsville High School, I went there too—what year did you graduate?
3. Can you work weekends or do you attend church?

Based on employment law, are the job announcement and interview questions legal? Please explain your response citing your textbook, relevant statutes and/or case law. Also, what are my options if a prospective employer asks inappropriate and/or illegal questions in an interview? How should I handle it?

Signed,
Unemployed and looking