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Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Prosecution Clinic
Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, Certified Limited Practice Students who participate in the Prosecution Clinic prosecute both misdemeanor and felony cases in Maricopa County and city courts. Students are responsible for a full range of trial-related tasks. They are initially assigned minor trials, then more difficult cases as the semester progresses. By the end of the semester, students may have an opportunity to participate in at least one jury trial.
What students do:
Criminal cases are assigned to students who are then responsible for preparing cases for trial and trying cases, if necessary. Classroom work helps equip students with the necessary skills needed for the courtroom, such as preparing opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination, and closing arguments.
It is the goal of this clinic for each student to receive the maximum amount of in-court trial experience. By the end of the semester each student should have the opportunity to participate in at least one jury trial. Criminal cases are assigned to students and the student has the responsibility to prepare the case for trial and try the case if necessary. Students are placed in various offices, and work under the supervision of experienced prosecutors.
Course information
The Prosecution Clinic is a one-semester course.
- Credits: six credits (three graded and three pass/fail)
- Pre-Requisite: Evidence / Pre- or Co-Requisite(s): Civil Procedure, Criminal Law and Professional Responsibility
- Trial Advocacy may not be taken the same semester as this clinic
- FOR SUMMER CLINIC ONLY - Rising 2L's cannot apply
- Must be Rule 39 certified after acceptance to clinic.
Time commitment
- Students must work a minimum of 260 hours per semester with their assigned agency per semester plus 4 hours (fall and spring) or 2 hours (summer) per week of seminar.
- Fall or Spring Semester – 20 hours per week. Students must be available to work full days on Tuesday and Thursday, plus one additional half-day during the week plus 2 hours of class time each week.
- Summer Semester - Students will work full-time, Monday through Friday plus 4 hours of class time each week.
Student Applications Dates for Clinic:
Spring 2021:
Applications: TBA
Offers extended to students: TBA
Student acceptances due: TBA
Summer/Fall 2020:
Application period: January 10th - February 10th, 2020
Offers extended to students: February 21st, 2020
Student acceptances due: February 28th, 2020
**IMPORTANT!* - Pursuant to the Statement of Student Policies, Clinics – Students who have applied for a clinic and have been accepted may decline upon offer without consequence. However, once a student has accepted a clinic offered, any student who drops the clinic without prior approval by the dean’s designee will be subject to the 12-month ban.
Students may apply via Atlas during the application period listed above.