Protest and Civil Disobedience Defense Practicum I

Catalog description

Depending on case assignment and litigation needs, students in the practicum typically represent clients arrested in connection with protest activities in their criminal court proceedings, appellate proceedings or federal civil rights litigation, and/or protesters who may face arrest and need front end counseling. If case needs allow, students will also participate in drafting a handbook that will be published for use by mass protest event organizers and attorneys. The course classroom component will revolve around developing skills, approaches and strategies for legal representation in the protest context. Special attention will be paid to the unique challenges and opportunities involved in mass arrests and ongoing civil disobedience movements. Class discussions will also focus on the role and legal ramifications of civil disobedience in the United States. Core skills advanced include: interviewing and counseling clients, factual investigation, basic and advanced legal research and writing, case analysis and strategy development, trial preparation, witness preparation, oral argument, and potentially trial or appellate practice. This course may require travel off premises.