U of M Law School adds new criminal justice concentration

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/02/2011) —A concentration in criminal justice became available to Law School students this fall, bringing the number of areas of concentration to seven. Concentrations build on and complement the standard Law School curriculum through interdisciplinary partnerships with other university programs. Students who complete the concentration requirements are well grounded in a wide range of topics in the field and prepared for the opportunities that present themselves after graduation.

The Concentration in Criminal Justice is led by Faculty Chair professor Richard Frase. Joining him in teaching core courses are Law School professors Susanna Blumenthal, Stephen Cribari, Antony Duff, Barry Feld, Perry Moriearty, Kevin Reitz, Stephen Simon and Michael Tonry, along with members of the philosophy and sociology departments.

Courses cover criminal law, criminal procedure, juvenile justice, sentencing law and policy, and punishment theory. Hands-on experience is offered through a variety of clinical programs: Child Advocacy and Juvenile Justice, Criminal Appeals, Federal Defense, Innocence Project, Misdemeanor Defense, Misdemeanor Prosecution, and Misdemeanor Defense and Prosecution. Students can also arrange independent research projects or work on issues of interest at Law School institutes, including the newly formed Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice and through the Minnesota Justice Foundation.

Top criminal justice lawyers and judges serve as adjunct professors and provide valuable mentoring and networking opportunities. Student-edited journals offer preparation in legal writing and research, and student organizations host events and speakers on relevant issues. Students can further immerse themselves in criminal justice theory, law, policy and practice through interdisciplinary courses and seminars, public lectures and all the educational events and facilities that the university offers.

Students completing a concentration receive a special notation on their transcripts after graduation. Concentrations are also offered in business law, environmental and energy law, health law and bioethics, human rights, international law, and labor and employment law.

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• Last modified on November 2, 2011