| The premise
of clinical education
is that students learn
best when theory is actually
applied in the practice
of law, and students reflect
upon their performance
and related issues. Students
in the Criminal Justice
Clinic represent defendants
in misdemeanor cases in
the District of Columbia
Superior Court and residents
of the Lorton prison in
post-conviction matters.
The most common charges
include assault, prostitution,
drug possession, theft,
unlawful entry, destruction
of property, shoplifting,
and weapon offenses. Caseloads
are light and trial work
is closely supervised
by Clinic professors and
teaching fellows to maximize
educational benefits.
Student attorneys in
the Clinic are responsible
for all aspects of the
case. Before their term
in the Clinic is finished,
students will have interviewed
and counseled clients,
conducted extensive fact
investigation, drafted
and filed motions, argued
motions, examined witnesses,
filed sentencing memoranda
and argued on behalf of
their clients. The experience
in the Clinic is often
exhilarating, sometimes
exhausting, and occasionally
frustrating; it is never
boring.
There are also
two two-hour seminars
weekly. Through readings,
videotapes, discussion,
role plays, and simulated
trial practice exercises,
the classes focus on topics
such as the role and professional
obligations of a criminal
defense attorney; ethical
issues and broader systemic
issues; client representation
skills, such as interviewing,
counseling, negotiation,
and investigation; trial
skills such as opening
statements, closing arguments,
and witness examinations;
and mastery of the law
of evidence and criminal
procedure essential to
superior representation.
|
