Intensive Program in Criminal Law

The Intensive Program in Criminal Law, which was first intensive program introduced almost three decades ago, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive examination of the criminal law adjudicatory process. The opening two weeks of lectures focus on how substantive, procedural and evidentiary law is actually applied in the day-to-day operation of the criminal courts. During those first two weeks, prominent members of the legal and forensic science communities attend to lecture on an array of topics, such as DNA evidence, cross-examining witnesses, drinking and driving, forensic psychiatry, special diversion courts, plea bargaining and judicial perspectives on advocacy.

During the semester students participate in a 10-week internship with a member of the judiciary, Crown counsel or defence counsel. Each Friday, the class meets at the Law School for two of the students to present seminars on selected topics in criminal law. In addition, students conduct two days of prosecutions in the Provincial Offences Court, defend a criminal case in summary conviction court; "ride along" with a police officer; and assist duty counsel in conducting bail hearings.

The program concludes with visits to the Forensic Science and Forensic Pathology Laboratories, a provincial correctional centre and a federal penitentiary.

Requirements

The 15-credit program is open to 20 students. Students are required to complete two major papers, to prepare a written journal reflecting observations and insights during their placement and to lead one seminar on a selected topic in criminal law. In addition, students will be assigned either the prosecution or defence of a mock summary conviction criminal case which will be "tried" by one of the course instructors. A letter grade is assigned for the paper and credit/no credit is granted for the journal, seminar, mock trial and placement. A detailed personal evaluation, reflecting the student's involvement in all aspects of the program (i.e., class participation, seminar performance, conduct of criminal case, journal insights, quality of written work, etc.) will be submitted for attachment to student transcripts.

The prerequisites for this program are Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence.