This course will take a criminal case from its inception through trial, plea or dismissal. Students will perform skills weekly on different elements of the case such as intake evaluation, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, witness preparation and trial. Ethics will also be included. The course is recommended for those with an interest in a career in criminal law, especially those considering employment in either a prosecutor's or public defender’s office.
The class will be a combination of remote and in person exercises. No student will be required to appear in person, but students will be given the option of doing so on some of the class days. The hope is to give students the chance to perform in ways that are currently being used in different jurisdictions around the country. Obviously this is evolving and subject to change. The plan is also to involve guest appearances by some former students who took this class and are now working in public defender or prosecutor’s offices.
Bledsoe, Murff F.