The Appellate Clinic is also in its fourth year, as a joint project between Quinnipiac and the office of the Connecticut Public Defender. Appellate Clinic students represent incarcerated indigent criminal defendants on non-capital offenses. Teams comprised of two students spend two semesters preparing appeals under the supervision of an attorney from the appellate unit of the Connecticut Public Defender, who specializes in criminal appeals. Last year, two students won a reversal of a conviction in State v. Preston. Students begin the clinic by taking an intensive mini-course in state criminal law, state constitutional law, and appellate procedure.
Students meet with their clients and discuss the merits of the appeals.
Students spend most of their time analyzing the trial records and transcripts, identifying the issues most likely to prevail on appeal, and then focus on research and writing their briefs. After the state files its opposing brief, students write a reply brief and prepare for oral argument. Most argue their cases at the Connecticut Appellate or Supreme Courts in Hartford, Connecticut. A lucky few get the opportunity to argue at the School of Law when the Appellate or Supreme Court sits in session in Quinnipiac's Grand Courtroom.