The Criminal Defense & Prisoner Advocacy Clinic (CDPAC) offers students an intensive experience in indigent criminal defense and prisoner advocacy. Through client representation, classroom lectures and discussion, simulations and exercises, small group “case rounds,” and individual supervision meetings, students will obtain a rich understanding of the culture and ethics of indigent criminal defense, and develop expertise in criminal trial advocacy and the representation of prisoners.
Washington Post story highlining the work of clinic students and fellows seeking compassionate release for this clients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Criminal Justice Clinic and Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic have significantly expanded their work on compassionate release cases – successfully freeing over a dozen prisoners who were especially at-risk of exposure to COVID-19 as the virus rampaged through prison systems. Initially represented by clinic faculty and the E. Barrett Prettyman Fellows – and now represented by clinic students – these clients have finally returned to their families and communities after years of incarceration.
Interview with Prof. Abbe Smith on her new book, "Guilty People."
CREDITS: 14
DURATION: Year long
STUDENTS: 14 students per year
OPEN TO: 3Ls
AVE. TIME COMMITMENT: 25 hours per week