Criminal Law Practice

Building upon first year concepts, including those covered in Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Criminal Law, students study criminal case law and statutes, with a focus on federal law in general and white collar crime in particular.

Students also study various procedural aspects of criminal investigation, such as Fifth Amendment and grand jury issues.

Finally, students cover some basic common law principles, such as inchoate offenses and theft crimes.

Students will complete oral simulations of proceedings that occur during criminal investigations and prosecutions. Such simulations may include motions to dismiss, appellate arguments, closing arguments, direct examinations and cross-examinations.

The final examination includes a performance problem simulating a written assignment that would occur in criminal practice, such as a motion to dismiss, a bench brief, or a research memorandum.