Prosecutor Practicum Seminar

Catalog description

This seminar is the accompanying classroom component for the Prosecutor Practicum. The seminar explores substantive and procedural issues in New York criminal law and justice from the beginning to the end of a criminal case, including the various stages of a criminal trial. Each seminar will begin with a discussion of the active cases that students are engaged in and the legal and ethical issues presented with each case. Through collective case conferences, we will discuss alternatives to incarceration and challenges of prosecution today including discovery reform. As the seminar progresses, students will learn the basics of charging decisions and complaint drafting and bail in the context of exercising prosecutorial discretion. These topics will provide a closer look at how implicit biases can shape decisions and outcomes in a case. Students will have the opportunity to practice various aspects of a criminal case including witness interviews, and mock advocacy exercises. Guest speakers will introduce students to different divisions within the District Attorney's Office and provide substantive case analysis. Weekly readings will be required. Corequisite(s): LAW 7366 .