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J.D. Specialization in Criminal Law and Policy

The Criminal Law and Policy Specialization offers a rigorous curriculum that blends substantive coursework with practical experience to prepare graduates to make a significant impact in the field, whether they pursue advocacy, academia, policy, litigation, or other related work.

To complete the JD Specialization in Criminal Law and Policy, students must complete a total of six courses related to Criminal Law. Three of these courses are Foundation Courses and three are General Criminal Law Courses. For the three General Criminal Law Courses, at least one must be a Group A course and no more than one may be a Group C course.

I. Foundation Courses

All students must take three Foundational Courses. To satisfy the Foundational Course requirement, students must take Criminal Law and Evidence. Students must also take a minimum of one Criminal Procedure course: either Criminal Procedure: Adjudication or Criminal Procedure: Investigations.

II. General Criminal Law Courses

Students must take at least three general criminal law courses, at least one of which must be a Group A course and no more than one of which may be a Group C course. Specialization students are encouraged to take Law 295, Criminal Procedure: Adjudication and an experiential course.

Please Note:

Course offerings may vary from year to year. Visit the main curriculum page to determine which courses will be offered during the current school year.

Students who have elected a Specialization do not have an enrollment preference over other students not in the Specialization.

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