Criminal Law and Policy

Criminal Procedure

Discussion - 3 hours. This course examines the federal constitutional limits on government authority to gather evidence and investigate crime. Topics to be covered include Fourth Amendment limits on search, seizure, and arrest; the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination; and the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. While the course emphasizes current law and the evolution of Supreme Court doctrine, it also considers related policy questions on the role of police in a democratic society.

Death Penalty Seminar

Seminar - 2 hours. Course offers an overview of the constitutional law governing the death penalty in the United States with an emphasis on Eighth Amendment jurisprudence.

Evidence

Lecture/Discussion - 3 or 4 hours. This course covers rules regarding the admissibility of testimonial and documentary proof during the trial of civil and criminal cases, including rules governing relevancy, hearsay, the examination and impeachment of witnesses, expert opinion, and constitutional and statutory privileges.

The 3-hour version of the course is a faster-paced course that will cover only the Federal Rules of Evidence, and students intending to do trial work in California are advised to take the 4-hour version.

Juvenile Justice Process

Seminar - 2 hours. This two unit class provides an overview of the major juvenile delinquency procedural hearings: detention, jurisdiction, disposition and transfer hearings.  The class will discuss the recent United States Supreme Court decisions on life without the possibility of parole for minors and how these decisions are influenced by recent scientific findings on brain development in young adults. The constitutional rights of students while in school will be reviewed in the context of mandatory drug testing and police interrogations and searches of students while on campus.

Law and Religion Seminar

Seminar - 2 hours. The primary focus of the course will be federal constitutional law relating to religion - the interpretation and application of the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. State constitutional law may also be considered as well as federal and state statutes relating to religion, e.g.

Scientific Evidence

Discussion - 3 hours.  In addition to examining the evidence law governing the admission of scientific testimony, this course considers related procedures as well as trial advocacy in presenting and attacking such testimony.

Trial Practice

Discussion - 2 hours. Evening laboratory - 2 hours. An introduction to the preparation and trial of cases, featuring lectures, videotapes, demonstrations, assigned readings, and forensic drills. The emphasis throughout the course is on the formulation and implementation of a trial strategy. The laboratory session is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening. Attempts are made to assign each student to a laboratory on the evening most convenient for him or her.

Corporate and White Collar Crime

Discussion - 2  hours. This course covers the law of conspiracy, corporate criminal liability, mail and wire fraud, the Hobbs Act, RICO, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and other white collar crimes and their associated defenses.

Final Assessment: Exam

The Law of Policing

Discussion - 2 hours. What are the expectations and roles of the police in a democratic society? We need order maintenance and crime control, but to assume these tasks the police sometimes intrude upon interests considered fundamental to free societies.  How should courts and lawmakers respond to these challenges?

Policy Advocacy

Seminar - 2 hours. This course offers an in-depth examination of the legislative process both within the California Legislature and from the advocates’ perspective. Students will have the opportunity to learn from legislative leaders and social justice advocates who have successfully drafted, proposed, and enacted state statutes and regulations.