2 or 3 Credits (Elective)
This clinic examines the legal issues that arise in the various stages of criminal adjudication. Law students are placed in District Attorneys’ Offices or at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the public defender in Massachusetts. Equivalent placements in neighboring states are allowed as well.
Experience
Students examine the legal issues that arise in the various stages of criminal adjudication, including standards for pretrial release, prosecutorial discretion, the right to a speedy trial, discovery, pleading, restraints on publicity, the right of confrontation, jury composition, sentencing, double jeopardy, and collateral attack. When appropriate, the effects of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure are studied.
“This clinical experience was one of the best opportunities I’ve been presented with at New England Law. I would advise anyone who is interested in litigation to take this clinic because it gets you into the courtroom daily.” —Sarah Seger '19