University of Utah : S.J. Quinney College of Law

The Criminal Clinic focuses on the practice of criminal law (including case preparation, oral advocacy, court procedures, and ethics); the role and function of prosecutors and defense attorneys; and the criminal justice system.  Students appear as prosecutors and defense attorneys in misdemeanor cases and assist in felony trials.  This clinic is a 2-semester commitment (Fall & Spring) open to third year students only.  

Prerequisites: Evidence and Trial Advocacy. (Trial Advocacy satisfies the Skills Requirement.)  Students should take both courses in sequence during the 2^nd year.  Enrollment preference will be given to students who have completed all prerequisites.  Students may be permitted to enroll concurrently in the Clinic and Trial Advocacy only on a “space available” basis and with professor permission. 

Course: Criminal Process (3 cr., graded, Fall through Spring Semester) includes lecture, discussion and role-playing exercises to prepare students for handling criminal cases.  This course also explores discrete issues within the criminal justice system, considers the lawyers’ roles in this system and considers criminal justice issues from a social science perspective.  Students prepare short answers to mock problems, complete a research project or research paper, and reflect upon their practice experiences in writing and class discussion.  This course must be taken during both Fall and Spring Semesters and is not open to other students without instructor permission  

Placements: (5 cr., P/F; Fall through Spring Semester) Students are placed based upon student preferences, with conflicts of interest due to clerkships accommodated. 

Other prosecuting or public defense offices may be approved as needed. 

Faculty: Professors Patrick Corum, Karen Fojtik & Jensie Anderson 

Registration & Placement: To enroll in the class and clinic, students must complete the Clinical Application in order to indicate placement preferences and to identify any conflicts of interest.   

Additional work as a Defender in the Criminal Clinic WILL APPLY to the Pro Bono Initiative certificate.