Criminal Appeals Field Clinic

Catalog description

All individuals convicted of a criminal offense in New York State have a fundamental right to appeal their conviction to a higher court, and to a free attorney if they cannot afford one. By reviewing all aspects of the conviction and seeking to rectify illegal or improper actions by the police, prosecutors, the court, or others, the appellate defender provides a critical safeguard against injustice. In this course, students will work together to represent indigent individuals on their appeals under the supervision of the clinical instructors, both experienced attorneys at the non-profit public defense law firm Appellate Advocates. Through weekly seminars and supervised fieldwork at Appellate Advocates offices in downtown Manhattan, students will learn how to review the appellate record, to identify and assess legal issues, and to write and edit an appellate brief to be filed on the clients behalf. Particular focus will be given to developing the core skills of appellate advocacy. using facts, narrative, and legal analysis to identify, craft, and advance the clients best arguments. as well as how the appellate defenders work fits into broader discussions of equity and reform within the criminal justice system. Prerequisite or corequisite criminal procedure 1, criminal procedure 2 preferred. When applying please provide 2 academic or professional references.