We tackle head-on sensitive questions of race and racism, sex and class bias. Although of general interest to students concerned about crime and punishment, the course should help prepare anyone who expects to work in the criminal justice system. The over-all perspective of this course is one of a problem in constitutional litigation. This is an advanced course dealing with the work of the federal courts in relation to criminal matters. The course focuses on specific issues involving the exercise and limitations of federal criminal jurisdiction as well as on current problems in criminal law and procedure confronting the federal courts.
Enrollment is limited.
This course concentrates on issues raised in the incompetency to stand trial and insanity defense phases of the criminal prosecution. Classwork includes some lawyering exercises, and the final examination may include a take-home exercise drawing on the class materials. This course covers the review of criminal cases after sentencing. There will be an exam or optional paper. Professor Robert Blecker Sentencing considerations drive the administration of criminal justice from investigation through incarceration.