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School of Law

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Students outside the LRC

JD Program

Criminal Litigation

Regardless of whether you want to be a prosecutor or a criminal defense attorney, success in the area of criminal litigation requires a unique set of skills. This concentration offers students wide latitude in charting their preparation for work in the field of criminal law. Students learn from experts in the field and gain real-world experience.

The University of San Diego School of Law's faculty includes leading experts in criminal law and our curriculum offers cutting-edge courses for students who want to specialize in this area.

Concentration Application

Courses

Required Courses
CODE TITLE UNITS
LWLP 529 Evidence 4
LWCR 520 Criminal Procedure I 3
LWCR 525 Criminal Procedure II 3

Opportunities in Criminal Litigation

Outstanding classroom offerings are paired with simulation and skills courses, including USD's nationally recognized clinical program. Participation in a clinic offers real world experience, often including first-hand contact with clients, while simultaneously providing a valuable public service to the community.

Requirements for JD Concentration in Criminal Litigation

  • Total required credits: 18
    • To attain this concentration, students must successfully complete all core courses and a sufficient number of credits from the approved electives to reach a minimum of 18 credits.
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA): 2.2
    • The minimum cumulative GPA required to obtain the concentration will be based on an average of grades received in courses eligible for concentration credit.
  • Recognition: Certificate and transcript notation
  • Application Process: JD concentration applications must be submitted no later than the applicable deadline stated below. Concentration applications are evaluated after all grades for the graduation term are finalized and JD degrees are officially conferred. Applicants will be notified of the status of their concentration application via email once evaluations are complete.
Graduation Month Concentration Application Deadline
May May 1 of graduation year
August August 1 of graduation year
December December 1 of graduation year