Criminal Justice Reform & Litigation: Three Strikes Project

Catalog description

This seminar is an opportunity to study mass incarceration and criminal law reform in real time while getting hands-on experience in active litigation on behalf of Three Strikes Project clients serving life sentences for nonviolent crimes. In this course, students read and analyze a variety of cases and articles, examining the evolution of incarceration and sentencing policies. Students also assist with live post-conviction litigation on behalf of clients in trial and appellate courts across the country. The class focuses largely on the Three Strikes law as a case study in the history, politics, constitutional doctrine, and reform of criminal law policy. Thanks to assistance from students, over 250 of our clients have been freed from life sentences, and students been intimately involved in criminal policy reform movement through Project partnerships with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and the Obama White House. Seminar students quickly become involved in all aspects of the Project's work, including assistance with cases in different stages of ongoing litigation. Students will visit a Project client in prison, conduct factual investigations, and draft court pleadings. The Project is an active, fast-paced program that depends on the hard work and contributions of law students enrolled in this seminar. This seminar offers the opportunity to both study the theory behind the law and hone practical litigation and advocacy skills. The seminar will meet for 3 hours per week, including 1-hour small group meetings with Project director Michael Romano. In addition, students will participate in field trips to various prisons in California. Elements used in grading: Class Participation, Attendance, Written Assignments. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS…