Skills — 3 units. The Civil Rights Clinic allows students to advocate for the civil rights of prisoners and other indigent persons. Students have addressed far-reaching constitutional issues and have included claims of denial of medical or dental care, correctional officer misconduct, denial of freedom of religion, violation of due process, excessive force, and false imprisonment. Clinic students also are encouraged to investigate matters involving gender, employment, education, housing, and police practices that may give rise to civil rights claims on behalf of indigent clients. In the 2026-27 Academic year, the Clinic expects to be involved in federal litigation involving sexual abuse of prisoners by prison staff. Students may travel to prisons, courthouses, and other places in California, depending on the demands of assigned cases. Additional information, including the application, will be sent via email.
Duration: Fall Semester, may continue in spring with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: Law 219 Evidence and Law 203 Civil Procedure are pre/co-requisites for the Civil Rights Clinic. Students must have completed Evidence prior to enrollment or be independently registered in the course; the clinic does not reserve seats in Evidence to accommodate clinic enrollment.
Graduation Requirements: Counts towards Professional Skills Requirement.
Grading Mode: Letter Grading