Perspectives in Criminal Justice
This course offers a unique opportunity to focus not only on the technical and ethical competence of lawyers in the criminal justice system, but on skilled practice informed by self-awareness, compassion, and a commitment to human dignity. There is a class component and placement component. In class, students address the legal, procedural, ethical, social, and cultural issues that arise in the course of their clinic work. In their placement, students interview recent arrestees in the San Diego County Jail who have not made bail and who are not represented by counsel. Students provide advice regarding an arrestee's constitutional and statutory rights, as well as concerns arising from his incarceration. Students will assist the Deputy Public Defender assigned to the felony arraignment department in the San Diego Superior Court. Students will also counsel and advise people who have criminal justice issues at dinners offered by the Welcome Door Foundation. There will be several Friday afternoon sessions during the semester for students to be introduced to the jail, the courthouse, and the Public Defender's Office, and to participate in other activities related to the course. Enrollment is limited. This is a three-credit course graded on a four-tier pass-fail basis.
Prequisites: Criminal Law. A security clearance by the jail through the Department of the Public Defender is required before the beginning of the semester. The State Bar of California requires that evidence and civil procedure be completed before a student can be certified to appear in court.
Spring 2008 Offerings
More information on how to apply.
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