Clinic Fieldwork: Crim Justice

Catalog description

Third-year students may spend one semester prosecuting and one semester defending criminal cases in various local courts or may focus exclusively on defense work. Defense students, under the close supervision of faculty members, represent indigent clients, taking full responsibility for the conduct of the defense. Prosecution students work with prosecutors in conducting the trial of criminal cases on behalf of the State of Maryland. A seminar involving an exploration of the lawyering process, including professional responsibility, client interviewing, strategic decision making, negotiation, client counseling, and trial skills, is an integral part of this program. Students also meet regularly with the instructors. Most students participate for two semesters. Some students participate for one semester on either the defense or prosecution side.