Criminal Prosecution Clinic

Mission & Overview

The Criminal Prosecution Clinic partners with district attorney offices to provide students with direct prosecution experience. Working with experienced prosecutors, students learn the full range of prosecution practice from case investigation and grand jury proceedings through trial and sentencing.

This clinic develops essential trial skills while exposing students to the prosecutorial function, ethical obligations of prosecutors, and challenges of the criminal legal system from the government's perspective. Students gain valuable exposure to different career paths in law and develop comprehensive litigation practice.

What Students Do

Criminal Prosecution Clinic students engage in prosecution practice including:

• Case Preparation — Review police reports, evidence, and witness statements; prepare case materials
• Grand Jury Work — Present evidence to grand juries for indictment authorization
• Pretrial Motions — Draft and argue discovery disputes, admissibility motions, and procedural issues
• Plea Negotiations — Engage in discussions with defense counsel on appropriate resolutions
• Witness Preparation — Meet with and prepare witnesses for testimony
• Trial Prosecution — Conduct direct examination of witnesses, make legal arguments, present evidence
• Sentencing Advocacy — Prepare sentencing materials and advocate for appropriate sentences

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Understand criminal procedure and evidence rules from prosecutor perspective
• Evaluate criminal cases and develop prosecution strategy
• Conduct effective witness examination and trial advocacy
• Understand ethical obligations of prosecutors
• Develop complex case management skills
• Reflect on prosecutorial discretion and justice

Teaching Approach

The clinic combines practical work with classroom instruction:

• Weekly seminars on prosecution practice and case management
• Individual supervision by experienced prosecutors
• Hands-on case work and trial preparation
• Court appearances and trial experience
• Feedback and mentorship on prosecution skills

Faculty Supervision

Faculty supervisors are experienced prosecutors and DA staff. They provide:

• Training on prosecution strategy and criminal procedure
• Oversight of all case work and court appearances
• Mentorship on ethical prosecution and professional responsibility
• Guidance on case evaluation and charging decisions
• Feedback on trial skills and case management

Enrollment & Requirements

Who Can Enroll?

Open to 2L and 3L students. Criminal Procedure (or equivalent) is required. Successful applicants demonstrate:

• Interest in prosecution and criminal law
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Ability to work with law enforcement and crime victims
• Commitment to ethical prosecution
• Reliability and professionalism

Application Process

Students submit applications and may be interviewed by DA office staff. Court appearance and work ethic are key criteria.

Schedule & Time Commitment

Units: 7-12 units

Time Commitment: 15-20 hours per week, including:

• Weekly 1.5-hour seminars
• Case work and trial preparation
• Court appearances as scheduled

Format: Semester-based or year-long

Case Examples & Impact

Students have worked on cases involving:

• Felony drug trafficking and distribution
• Property crimes and theft cases
• Violent crime prosecution
• DUI and traffic offenses
• White collar crime cases
• Sexual assault and domestic violence cases

Real-World Impact

Clinic work has resulted in successful prosecutions, convictions, and appropriate sentencing. Many alumni pursue careers as prosecutors, AUSAs, or in other law enforcement roles. Students report valuable exposure to the full range of prosecution practice and criminal justice system operations.

Resources & Materials

Students have access to:

• DA office resources and case management systems
• Evidence and trial preparation materials
• Expert witness networks
• Criminal procedure and evidence rules
• Library and research support

Contacts & Further Information

Clinic Director: Contact the Stanford Law Clinics office for current faculty assignments

Information: Visit the Criminal Prosecution Clinic page or contact law-clinics@stanford.edu

Application Period: Rolling admissions