Criminal Clinic – State Attorney Field Placement
Course Number: LAW 6942 Credits: 8
Prerequisites:
- Criminal Procedure: Police and Police Practices (LAW 6111) or Criminal Procedure: Adversary System (LAW 6112)
- Evidence (LAW 6330)
- Trial Practice (LAW 6363)
Enrollment by application prior to pre-registration. Participants must have a clearance letter from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners which will enable them to work as Certified Legal Interns (CLIs) during their internship. Course objectives and goals: To develop a working knowledge of the criminal justice system and become familiar with all aspects of the art and craft of prosecution. Students will explore the unique lawyering role of prosecutors who must wield the power of the state with compassion and integrity. During classroom exercises and work at the State Attorney’s Office, students will become equipped with the practical skills necessary to become great prosecutors, including assessing legal claims, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, listening, developing a strategic case plan, identifying ethical issues, maintaining case files, working as part of a team, negotiating with opposing counsel, and representing a party in court. 6 credits are S/U and 2 credits are graded.
Students are also required to enroll in the 1-credit compressed course, Introduction to Prosecution.