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The University of Texas at Austin School of Law

Prosecution Internship

  • Semester: Spring 2008
  • Course ID: 279M
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Unique: 28340

Course Information

  • Grading Method: Pass/Fail Mandatory

Registration Information

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
WED 5:30 - 7:20 pm

Evaluation Method

Type Date Time Location
None

Description

APPLICATION REQUIRED. See Student Affairs Office, TNH 2.117 CLASS MEETS on Wednesday evenings. The objective of this course is to educate students on the law and legal issues commonly encountered in criminal prosecution, and to familiarize the students with the unique duties and responsibilities of a criminal prosecutor not simply as an advocate, but as a minister of justice. The course consists of a 2-credit classroom component and a 3-credit internship program in the Travis County District Attorney's Office or the Travis County Attorney's Office. All credits are pass/fail and students must enroll in both portions of the course. The course is open to students whom are in good standing and have completed the first two semesters of law school but enrollment is limited and preference is given to students who have completed 43 credit hours and who would be eligible to appear in court for the State under the supervision of a licensed prosecutor. It is recommended though not required that students have completed Evidence prior to this internship. The classroom component of the course will require students to study substantive and procedural law and issues commonly-encountered by criminal prosecutors, covering topics such as charging instruments, discovery, search and seizure, jury selection, public integrity prosecution, trial tactics, evidence, post-conviction DNA, and oral advocacy. Students will also spend significant time discussing the unique ethical responsibilities and duties of a public prosecutor, with focus on the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the National Prosecution Standards. Each student will be assigned to a trial court or division within the Travis County District Attorney's Office and will be supervised by prosecutors assigned to the court or division. Students can expect to gain active experience in all aspects of the day-to-day functions of the public prosecutor, including the charging decision, pleading, discovery, motions to suppress evidence, motions to revoke probation, and the trial of the case. Commensurate with experience and opportunity, students may have the opportunity to actively participate in the courtroom proceedings. Students are required to fill out an application for admission to the course and will be interviewed by a review committee within the District Attorney's Office. Students must work a total of 180 hours for their internship. Each student will arrange a mutually convenient work schedule with their supervising attorney. Students may not receive compensation for their internship.

Instructors

Headshot of Kepple, Robert N Kepple, Robert N
Headshot of Montford, Melinda Montford, Melinda
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