LAW - 706D Lawyering: Ethics in Criminal Justice

2 unit(s)
This course explores the minefield of ethical dilemmas facing prosecutors and defense attorneys in practice. Initially we will study the rules governing the conduct of prosecutors and defenders in their respective roles which set an ideal standard of behavior for lawyers in criminal practice. We will then examine some of the real world pressures that affect the practice (e.g. race and cultural barriers; the competitive nature of trial work; limited resources) through the lens of a realistic fact pattern. Students will identify some of the major flaws of the criminal justice system, and will learn how those problems challenge a lawyer’s twin obligations to be both effective and ethical. Working in teams of prosecutors and defenders (and switching roles at various points in the semester), students will integrate their theoretical understanding of the issues through various mock trial exercises in which they will hone their interviewing, counseling and negotiation skills. The values of the profession that this course examines are: the provision of competent representation and concepts of justice, fairness and morality. This course is open only to first-year JD students.

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