Criminal Law and Litigation

Criminal law attorneys typically work as state or federal prosecutors, public defenders, private defense attorneys, and business counselors. Many sitting judges practiced criminal law before being elevated to the bench. Students interested in criminal law need to prepare by learning the doctrine and theory of criminal law and by developing critical trial advocacy skills.

Although not every case leads to a trial, litigators must have the skills (and confidence) to try a case before a judge or jury. Successful criminal law attorneys are excellent legal writers, researchers, and negotiators. A criminal law attorney should enjoy frequent conversations with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel.

Stetson has consistently ranked as the best law school for trial advocacy in the United States, and students studying criminal law and litigation can choose from a large number of state-of-the-art and leading edge courses. A concentration program in advocacy is available through the Center for Excellence in Advocacy.

Resources

Competitions

• AAJ National Student Trial Advocacy Competition
• Criminal Justice Annual William W. Greenhalgh Student Writing Competition
• Criminal Justice National Trial Advocacy Competition

Full-Time Faculty Focusing on this Pathway

• Bobbi Kemp Flowers
• Christine Elise Cerniglia
• Ellen Sue Podgor
• Susan Rozelle
• Judith Allison Marie Scully

Librarians

• Sally Waters

News

• Criminal Law Professors Blog
• Evidence Law Prof Blog
• FindLaw Criminal Law News
• Sentencing Law and Policy Blog
• White Collar Crime Prof Blog

Professional Organizations

• ABA Criminal Law Section
• The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section
• The Innocence Project

Student Organizations

• Innocence Initiative at Stetson Law