Answer to Question 1
Many paralegals assist attorneys in handling cases that involve constitutional provisions or rights. For example, a corporate client might claim that a regulation issued by a state administrative agency, such as the state department of natural resources, is invalid because it conflicts with a federal law or regulation. A paralegal may be assigned the task of finding out which regulation takes priority. Many cases arise in which the plaintiff claims that his or her First Amendment rights have been violated. Suppose that a plaintiff's religious beliefs forbid working on a certain day of the week. If he or she is required to work on that day, the plaintiff may claim that the employer's requirement violates the First Amendment, which guarantees the free exercise of religion. No matter what kind of work a paralegal does, knowledge of constitutional law is helpful. This is because the authority and underlying rationale for the substantive and procedural laws governing many areas of law are ultimately
based on the Constitution. For example, knowledge of constitutional law is useful in the area of criminal law, because criminal procedures are essentially designed to protect the constitutional rights of accused persons.
Answer to Question 2
The tasks in which paralegals specializing in international law may be involved include the following:
Researching the law of a foreign country on a particular issue, such as labor law, to determine whether a corporate client with business operations overseas is complying with the laws of the host country.
Assisting the client with manufacturing facilities overseas in forming employment policies consistent with the law of the host country and, if applicable, U.S. employment laws.
Determining whether a client's patented product will be protected under the patent laws of a foreign country or whether an international treaty provides for such protection.