CLINICAL PROGRAMS : SUFFOLK PROSECUTORS
Duration: Full year program for students in their final year of law school
Credits: 8 credits (4 credits per semester/3 credits letter graded & 5 credits ungraded)
A full-year course comprised of a classroom component and a fieldwork placement in a District Court where students represent the Commonwealth in criminal cases under the supervision of an Assistant District Attorney. In that capacity, they learn the multi-faceted role of the District Attorney in the prosecution of criminal cases including handling arraignments and bail/detention hearings, interviewing witnesses, providing discovery, handling pre-trial motions, engaging in plea negotiations, preparing for trial, and arguing disposition. Students are likely to handle evidentiary hearings on Motions to Suppress and may also handle bench or jury trials during the year.
The weekly two hour classroom component consists of lectures, discussions, and simulations focusing on criminal procedure, evidence, search and seizure, courtroom advocacy, prosecutorial ethics, case preparation, and the exercise of discretion by prosecutors. Students further develop advocacy skills through role playing exercises against students in the Defenders program. Additionally students will be required to meet regularly with their supervisors and should expect to have out-of-court case preparation responsibilities.
The program is a full-year clinic. This clinic is offered for 8 credits (4 credits/semester). Students must commit themselves to serve in the Prosecutors Program for both semesters. Students must have available one full day per week in the fall semester (8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.) and two full days per week in the spring semester for court appearances and case preparation, in addition to the classroom requirement. Placements currently are in the Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Plymouth County District Attorneys’ Offices but may be made in other counties as well, based on student request.
Only students in their final year of law school are eligible. Evidence is a prerequisite. Preference will be given to those students who have completed a trial practice course or the equivalent. Any student accepted into the clinic who has not taken a trial practice course is required to register for one in the fall semester. Students will not be able to engage in employment in which they handle criminal defense matters during the academic year in which they are enrolled in the clinic. Preference for court assignments will be solicited, and court assignments will be made at the beginning of the fall semester. At the end of the academic year, students will receive 3 letter-graded classroom credits and 5 ungraded placement credits. Contact: Contact Professor Diane Juliar at djuliar@suffolk.edu
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