What’s On Tap: 3L Fall
Two weeks in and we’re still okay!!!!!
Well, I’m okay - probably don’t speak for the entire student body when I claim wellness. I should also acknowledge that I’m a 3L, my hardest class hasn’t started yet, and I’ve spent a grand total of 10 hours on campus in two weeks so…
Maybe check back with me on 19 October.
In any case, my fall schedule is officially set as of Friday.* Read on for the line-up and why I’ve chosen these particular courses and clinic!
*Fun fact - the building pictured above is Hauser Hall, and it’s where I attend all my fall classes. When I envisioned returning to campus I pictured being back in the 1L Wasserstein classrooms…but I’m not a 1L anymore, and reality took me by surprise!
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: ADJUDICATION
Tues & Wed, 10:30am - 12:30pm, 4 credits
Course Catalog Description: The subject of this course is the criminal process "from bail to jail." We will address some of the main constitutional and policy issues that arise about the structure of this process, including the right to counsel, the influence of prosecutorial discretion, the institution of plea bargaining, the role of the jury, and the choice of sentencing procedures. We will also address some important issues about the outcomes produced by this process, including the problem of wrongful convictions (innocence) and disparate racial and class impacts.
Why I took it: This course contains KEY INFORMATION for my future in criminal litigation. My first few years as a JAG will be spent in/around the courtroom, so understanding the process from the time someone is charged with a crime to the time they’re found guilty and punished is crucial. There are some differences between the civilian and military legal systems, of course, but many are cosmetic and certainly don’t render this type of class unhelpful.
Plus, “criminal law and procedure” is a whole section of bar exam material - that definitely made me double down on this particular class, as well as its sister course (Criminal Procedure: Investigations) in the spring.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE: DEFENSE THEORY & PRACTICE
Class, Tues & Wed, 4:30pm - 6:30pm, 3 credits
Clinic, 20 hrs per week (minimum), 4 credits
Course Catalog Description (abridged): Students will examine the nature, functions, dynamics, and ethics of such tasks as interviewing, investigation, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, argument, and other aspects of criminal defense advocacy, both in and out of the courtroom. The class component will attempt to develop a variety of operational and ethical frameworks within which students can understand and evaluate their practice experience.
Students can expect to represent clients on criminal and juvenile delinquency cases in the local courts. In the course of representing clients, students may be required to visit correctional institutions, provide representation to minors in school disciplinary hearings, or represent adult clients in appellate or other post-conviction legal proceedings. Students will be responsible for providing complete legal representation to their clients and will receive one-to-one supervision and individual critique of their courtroom work, and participate in regular group sessions with their supervisor.
Why I took it: All Air Force JAGs (as far as I know) work on behalf of the government when they begin practicing, meaning they’re always the prosecution in a court-martial. After gaining some litigation experience and proving they can handle the ins and outs of court, JAGs can then choose to request an assignment as Defense Counsel. In that role, they of course represent the person accused of committing a crime.
This set-up is unique to the military (civilian lawyers generally choose to work as one or the other) and personally, I think it’s fantastic. If given the chance, I’d absolutely like to sit on both sides of the aisle. However, my JAG timeline is a bit ‘squished’ due to my prior years of service so I might not have that opportunity. With that in mind, this clinic seemed like the perfect chance to see and understand the legal system from a Defense perspective.
Additionally, the clinical professor is an absolute SUPERSTAR; she taught my class how to give an opening statement during last winter’s Trial Advocacy and I remember thinking, “I need to soak up as much as possible from this person.” I haven’t started yet but I think this clinic - particularly the exposure to juvenile offenders and correctional facilities - will be both eye-opening and emotionally tough. But I expect to learn a TON and come out well-prepared for my first assignment as a JAG.
THE SECURITY COUNCIL
Friday, 1:45pm - 3:45pm, 1 credit
Course Catalog Description: The United Nations Security Council is at the heart of the post-WWII international order. It is often referred to as the world’s executive, but it is also increasingly exercising legislative power. Its discretion is extensive, if not unlimited. Its power is ostensibly justified, as states have conferred to it the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Has the Council lived up to this weighty challenge? In this reading group, we will explore this question by examining several contemporary legal and policy issues concerning the Security Council.
Why I took it: Unlike several of my classmates, I don’t plan to pursue a career in international law or deal with the Security Council directly. The choice to enroll in this reading group was half a “sounds interesting,” half a “future-work-in-nuclear-policy-might-involve-the-UNSC” decision. I’ve also heard rave reviews about this particular professor and, after just one class, can see exactly why! Plus the Security Council is considered an “upper level reading group,” which means we literally read for class, show up, and discuss. No papers, no exam, no GRADES - just a few hours of academic musing twice a month. I couldn’t enroll fast enough.
Finally, as a practical matter, I need to take 24 credits this year with a minimum of 10 per semester. This reading group got me to 12 credits in the fall and, since I’m already enrolled in 2 winter credits…that 10 credit minimum, 3L-O-L spring life is looking PRETTY good!
