LAW 0716:
Criminal Litigation Clinic: Defender Association of Philadelphia
Fall 2021 • Section F21
• CRN 27588
Course Description
After an intensive orientation that includes the Philadelphia Court System as well as Pennsylvania criminal law, criminal procedure, and criminal trial practice, each student individually will represent clients at the Municipal Court level for motions, trials and/or preliminary hearings. Each of the days in court will be followed up by a classroom review of cases handled as well as discussion and informal mock trials of next week's cases. A full day each week is spent representing the client in court followed by class. A significant amount of additional time must be spent by the student each week in preparing the case for trial. Most students in the past have felt that the heavy workload was redeemed by the wealth of experience provided by the course. Students are advised that attendance is mandatory for the first class session and a prerequisite for enrollment. Any student on the waiting list who would like to be considered for placement in the event of an opening, must attend this first class training session.Note: Certification under Rules 321 and 322 of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is required.
Schedule
| Day/Time | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|
| W 9:30 AM-5:00 PM | TBA | for the first two weeks, then Court with classroom follow up for the rest of the semester |
Additional Time Requirements
Classroom component meets full day Wednesdays for the first two weeks. Students will then be in court on Wednesdays with classroom follow up until at least 5 pm for the remaining weeks. Students should avoid classes prior to 6 pm on Wednesday. Students must complete a minimum of 13 hours each week of the semester of experiential work, classroom work, or out of class learning. Students must be available on Fridays or Mondays for a two-hour block for trial preparation and client interviewing. This is in addition to the regular Wednesday sessions.
Registration Info
Registration Notes
There is a mandatory class session on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 5:00 for the first two weeks, then Court with classroom follow up for the rest of the semester's Wednesdays, all at the Defender Office. The class will be held at our office, located at 1441 Sansom Street (corner of 15th and Sansom) in the 9th floor conference room.
Pre-Requisites
You must have completed the following courses before enrolling in this course:
- LAW 0460 (Trial Advocacy I ) or LAW 0558 (Introduction to Trial Advocacy)
- LAW 0532 (Criminal Procedure I)
- LAW 0540 (Evidence) (C or better)