The Criminal Justice Clinic has been in existence for over twenty-five years, making it the law school's oldest clinic. Most students spend one semester defending juvenile and criminal cases in Montgomery County, Maryland and one semester prosecuting cases in Maryland. The clinic offers a one semester defense option. Even those cases that are resolved short of trial provide opportunities for extensive client contact and fact investigation. Students thus experience all aspects of representing clients, including developing case theory, interviewing cooperative and recalcitrant witnesses, researching the law, negotiating with the prosecutor, writing and arguing motions, and trying cases.
Students work in pairs and meet weekly with their faculty supervisor to discuss their cases.
All defense students meet weekly as a group to discuss ethical, tactical and legal issues that arise in criminal defense work. An adjunct faculty member meets with the prosecution students in individual tutorial sessions and bi-weekly as a group to discuss issues such as prosecutorial ethics and systemic pressures on prosecutors. Prosecution students get fully exposed to the fast-paced world of the criminal justice system and are involved in trying cases, negotiating plea agreements, and handling the day's docket. Many students report that the prosecution semester allows them to get over their fears of courtroom advocacy. Extra course credit may be available to students who arrange to spend an additional day in court each week.