Academic Programs

Death Penalty Clinic

Fall or spring semester: 4 credits
With the abolition of the death penalty in Illinois in 2011, the Death Penalty Legal Clinic has transitioned into a hybrid course. It fulfills the senior writing requirement while providing resources to capitally charged individuals and their counsel without taking on direct representation of individuals. The course teaches basic death penalty law and accepts requests from capital defenders to assist with research and writing. This might take the form of an amicus brief, a motion and memorandum of law, or a thorough examination of the literature in a forensic area. The course also includes role-play and mock arguments, which is useful skills training if you are interested in criminal defense work. Criminal Procedure is a prerequisite or co-requisite, and preference is given to students who have taken or are taking Evidence.