Death Penalty and Criminal Defense Clinic I

Catalog description

This is the first half of a year-long, in-house clinic in which students represent people charged with misdemeanors at the trial level or sentenced to death at the appellate or postconviction level. Students will engage in an intensive study of criminal law, procedure, and punishment, will examine the ethical issues that define indigent criminal practice, and will hone practical oral and written advocacy skills. Students in the Clinic examine issues through a race-conscious frame that recognizes that the criminal legal system functions to subordinate individuals and communities of color. Students receive twelve credits for the year, split between the fall and spring semesters, and including credits for the accompanying seminar. The expectation is that students spend on average 16-20 hours per week outside of seminar and supervision on clinic work. Additionally, students are required to complete the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP) during the winter term.