Criminal Law
The Rogers College of Law offers an extensive criminal law program that includes a range of classroom and courtroom opportunities. Students particularly interested in the field or planning a career in criminal practice or policy—or a career in the political system--can earn a Certificate in Criminal Law and Policy by completing a prescribed set of courses, practice experiences, and an in-depth paper.
Arizona Law approaches the teaching of criminal law and procedure in an innovative fashion. Students take criminal procedure in the first year and criminal law as an upper level elective.
The criminal procedure course deals with practical and theoretical issues that arise often in the modern practice of criminal law, providing a substantial advantage to students who seek out work in criminal law settings after their first year of law school. Moreover, students who have a strong understanding of these practical issues are better able to understand the real world ramifications of the deeper theoretical issues that arise in the substantive criminal law course.
The Arizona Law approach thus produces students who have a more relevant understanding of criminal and procedure and are better able to bring their education to bear on their work.
After the first year, course work ranges from basic introductory classes to specialized seminars in particular fields of practice. These classes are taught by legal scholars who are members of the full time faculty as well as distinguished practitioners.
We believe that great practicing lawyers must also be active members of the legal community, and that more policy leaders should come from those with legal training. Many classes include writing opportunities. Students interested in advanced research and writing in the area of criminal law can arrange independent studies with members of the faculty.
The College also has a number of clinical programs. Through the Criminal Prosecution and Criminal Defense clinics, advanced students can participate in the prosecution or defense of criminal cases in Arizona courts under the supervision of both faculty members and prosecutors or public defenders. In addition, the school offers Child and Family and Immigration clinics, which frequently involve criminal issues.
Students also have to opportunity for externship placements with prosecution, defense or other criminal justice agencies, and for clerkships with state and federal judges.
Key Faculty
At the University:
Professor of Law and Director, Rogers Program in Law and Society Kathie Barnes
Clinical Professor & Co-Director, Child and Family Law Clinic Paul Bennett
Clinical Professor & Co-Director, Child and Family Law Clinic Zelda Harris
Assistant Dean and Associate Clinical Professor Dr. Willie Jordan-Curtis
Professor of Practice & Director, Immigration Law Clinic Lynn Marcus
Vice Dean and Ralph W. Bilby Professor of Law Marc Miller
Joseph M. Livermore Professor & Director, Clinical Programs Andy Silverman
In the Bar:
Adjunct Assistant Professor Jennifer Bedier (Arizona Capital Representation Project)
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law John Evans (Arizona Attorney General’s Office)
Adjunct Assistant Professor Bruce Heurlin (Partner, Heurlin Sherlock Panahi)
Adjunct Assistant Professor Walter Nash (Partner, Nash & Kirchner)
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law Vince Rabago (Arizona Attorney General’s Office)
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law Heather Williams (Federal Public Defender’s Office)
Course Offerings
Arizona White Collar and Financial Crime
Capital Punishment
Criminal Procedure
Criminal Law
Correctional Theories and Policies [Michael P. Polakowski, Ph.D., School of Public Administration and Policy]
Criminal Investigation and Discovery
Government Security and the Response to Terrorism [Chris C. Demchak, Ph.D., School of Public Administration and Policy]
Legal Ethics for Criminal Lawyers
Sentencing
White Collar Crime [Neil Vance, D.P.A., School of Public Administration & Policy]
Clinics and Related Projects
Arizona Attorney General Clinic
Civil Rights Restoration Project
Criminal Defense
Criminal Prosecution
Child and Family Law Clinic
Immigration Law Clinic
Updated: 08/10/2012