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n the Criminal Justice Clinic, third year law students are certified under Ohio’s Student Practice Order to represent criminal defendants in local court proceedings. Students interview clients, conduct investigations, represent clients at court appearances, negotiate with prosecutors, write and argue motions, and prepare for hearings and trial. Students work collaboratively in a team-based approach to lawyering.

In addition to providing students with basic training in representing a client in a criminal proceeding, the course teaches an analytic methodology focused on formulating a theory of the case. Students learn to assess information and make decisions in an indeterminate and evolving universe with reference to evidentiary rules, constitutional law and criminal procedure. Students develop the ability to assess probable consequences with multiple variables and incomplete information.

“The Clinic helped me to think about all of the different scenarios that could benefit my client, instead of focusing on the most obvious.” Student Comment

A weekly seminar covers substantive areas of law, as well as practical lawyering skills and theoretical aspects of the criminal justice system. Students entering the course should be fully familiar with the rules of evidence and criminal procedure, basic concepts of criminal and principles of constitutional law. The seminar also provides a forum for simulated skills training, and a “grand round” case presentations.

Students develop the skills necessary to successfully litigate a criminal case, but the real value transcends the field of criminal practice, and lies instead in understanding and developing a strategic approach to problem solving. The exposure to critical thinking, narrative theory and the practical application of classroom material provides students with the tools necessary to succeed in the courtroom or the boardroom.