3 units - This course will cover four areas: (1) research; (2) brief writing; (3) appellate strategy; and (4) oral advocacy. The students will be working on actual federal criminal cases in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. They will draft briefs on behalf of criminal defendants. They will also work on amicus briefs and policy papers on critical issues on behalf of clients such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Aoki Center for Critical Race and Nation Studies. We'll study the various court rules governing the form, substance and timing of briefs. Working in teams, the students will research issues, draft briefs, and engage in a rigorous editing process.
Law 206 Criminal Law, Law 227A Criminal Procedure and Law 219 Evidence are recommended.
Graduation Requirements: Counts towards Professional Skills Requirement.
Final Assessment: Skills Class Final Assignment (e.g. Trial, Mediation, Brief)
Grading Mode: Letter Grading.