Yearlong: 8 credits (4 credits per semester)
The Civil Rights Clinic focuses on civil rights cases involving police or prison misconduct as well other claims involving race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. Typically, these cases include physical brutality, sexual abuse, false arrests and imprisonment, and/or illegal searches by law enforcement officials. In this clinic, students are actively involved in litigating civil rights cases. Students regularly interview plaintiffs, witnesses and potential new clients; develop case theory; research and draft legal briefs, motions and written discovery; take and defend depositions; find and work with expert witnesses; and attend court appearances, hearings and trial. The Civil Rights Clinic also provides opportunities to learn necessary substantive law, including Section 1983 case law, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence, as well as to learn the practical skills needed to successfully litigate civil rights cases.
Course Information
Instructor: Amanda Yarusso
Instruction: This course is a combination of lecture, in-class discussion, skills instruction, and client counseling.
Number of Students: Up to 8 per academic year.
711 License: Not required
Prerequisites: None.
Eligibility: Only current 2L and 3L students are eligible to apply.