Advanced Issues in Criminal Law: Post-Conviction

Catalog description

What happens after a criminal conviction? Much of the study of criminal law and procedure focuses on the lead-up to trial, and the criminal trial itself. This class will pick up following a trial or guilty plea, tracing the journey of a person convicted of a crime through the back end of the criminal legal system. Through examining primary and secondary sources, learning from guest speakers, and taking the occasional field trip, we will explore sentencing, appeals, collateral attacks on convictions, incarceration, resentencings/second-look reforms, and executive exercises of discretion like clemency and parole.