Fourth Amendment Practice

Course Description

Learn from a seasoned practitioner how to handle the most fundamental motion in criminal practice: the motion to suppress evidence. Whether a lawyer chooses to pursue a criminal, civil, or municipal practice, it is important to acquire a working knowledge of this basic motion in the criminal justice system to service the full needs of any client. Acquiring a comfort level with making this type of court appearance will allow students to be an immediate asset to their summer employers, and make them marketable to future employers. In this intensive course, students prosecute and defend a simulated case, from start to finish. Activities include gathering evidence, writing and responding to a suppression motion, conducting witness interviews in advance of taking testimony, examining witnesses, making objections and admitting evidence in court, and making an oral argument based on the evidence presented. These activities involve high-level strategic thinking about the goals of the motion within the case, and facing ethical issues in a practice setting. Students may take this course after completing the first-year full- or part-time schedule. The course will provide the targeted overview of any relevant law, including criminal procedure, evidence, and professional responsibility. Grade will be based on writing and skills performances, class participation, and attendance. No exam. Students may take this course before or after Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Evidence, or Criminal Procedure.

Code

24:601:624

Credits

2

Subject

601