Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor William Causey

J.D. Seminar 1005 | 2 credit hours

This seminar will explore the legal and practical considerations involved in the federal criminal process from initial investigation through sentencing as viewed from the perspectives of law enforcement agents, the U.S. Attorney, and defense counsel. It will provide an overview of federal criminal law and procedure concerning the techniques of investigation with search warrants and electronic surveillance, the charging decision, detention and bail issues, the grand jury process, plea negotiation, pretrial discovery, trial strategy, and sentencing factors. The seminar also explores related issues such as conflict situations faced by defense attorneys, problems of prosecutorial misconduct such as selective and vindictive prosecutions, jury selection, burden of proof, admission of physical evidence, cross-examination, and closing argument. These subjects will be explored through the hypothetical case file of United States v. Long regarding a drug enforcement prosecution. Law enforcement agents, federal prosecutors, and defense attorneys will be guest lecturers. Students will be required to observe the proceedings of a criminal trial in federal court. A final paper consisting of 20-25 pages is required. This two-credit seminar course is designed for the student who is considering a federal judicial clerkship, an internship or employment with a federal or state prosecutor, employment with a federal or state law enforcement agency, or a criminal defense practice. The seminar will be limited to 16 students.

Prerequisite: Criminal Justice (or the equivalent Democracy and Coercion) or Criminal Procedure. Recommended: Evidence.

Students may not receive credit for both this class and Advanced Criminal Procedure; Advanced Criminal Procedure and Litigation; Role of the Federal Prosecutor; Anatomy of a Federal Trial: The Prosecution and the Defense Perspective; or Federal White Collar Crime.