Criminal Practice Clinic

Catalog description

The Criminal Practice Clinic is an intensive clinical experience in which students represent indigent clients accused of crimes. This Clinic focuses on the development of client-centered skills in representing clients through all stages of their case. Students manage a client’s file, interview and counsel clients, engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors, conduct witness examination at hearings, and represent clients in all phases of criminal trials in the circuit and superior courts. The course requires a minimum of 9 hours each week working on client’s cases in the clinic, meeting with clients, or attending court sessions. Grading is based on student performance during client representation. Grading factors include communication with clients, file organization, case analysis and preparation, and interaction with the clinical supervisor. This course cannot be taken for an S/U grade.