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APPELLATE ADVOCACY (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 1030)
2 credits
This course covers the following aspects of New York Appellate Practice: scope of review; taking and perfecting the appeal; stays pending appeal; preparation of the appellate brief; argument of the appeal; disposition of the appeal; and motions for re-argument. Grades are based upon the preparation of an appellate brief and related papers on appellate argument.
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CRIMINAL LAW (CRIMINAL LAW - 1010)
3 credits
An introductory study of the law of crimes and the administration of criminal justice, including general principles of criminal liability and defenses. Topics considered include the criminal act and mental elements in crime, causation, mistake, excuse and justification defenses, the law of homicide and the inchoate offenses such as attempt and solicitation. These topics are examined under the common-law, the Model Penal Code and the New York Penal Law to give the student a historical as well as modern perspective on the criminal law and its objectives. Grades are based upon a final examination.
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LEGAL WRITING I (LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING - 1030)
2 credits
The first course in a two-semester sequence, this course teaches students legal writing, research and analysis. The course focuses on predictive legal writing. Students prepare several closed-universe, predictive writing assignments, and rewrite at least one assignment based on the professor's feedback. Grades are based primarily on writing assignments.
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LEGAL WRITING II (LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING - 1010)
2 credits
The second course in a two-semester sequence, this course further develops students' writing, analytical, and research skills. The course focuses primarily on persuasive legal writing but may include a further predictive writing assignment. It also introduces students to oral advocacy. Students prepare several open-universe writing assignments and rewrite at least one persuasive writing assignment based on the professor's feedback. Students also conduct an oral argument. Grades are based primarily on writing assignments.
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NEW YORK CRIMINAL PRACTICE (CRIMINAL LAW - 2010)
3 credits
An in-depth study of New York criminal procedure, including police investigation, accusatory instruments, preliminary proceedings in the local criminal court, arraignment, Grand Jury, discovery (including Rosario material), prosecutorial readiness and speedy trial, plea, pretrial motions, trial procedure, sentencing, and direct and collateral attacks on judgments of conviction. Additional topics may include the insanity defense, competency, Youthful Offender treatment, and prosecution of juveniles as adults. Grades will be based on a series of practical writing assignments, such as an accusatory instrument, motion, and a post-conviction appellate brief or motion to vacate. Prior or concurrent enrollment in Criminal Procedure I or II is recommended.