Criminal Law

Criminal law is the study of the essential principles relating to substantive crimes and defenses.

UMass Law students are extremely fortunate to be able to engage in the real-world practice of criminal law through the law school's Criminal Prosecution Clinic, housed directly in the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.

Under the direction of Bristol County's First Assistant District Attorney, clinic students:

• manage arraignments and bail hearings
• interview witnesses
• handle plea negotiations
• write and argue pre-trial motions
• engage in trial preparation
• learn litigation strategy
• gain real-world courtroom experience

Several UMass Law full-time and adjunct faculty members are current or former district attorneys or public defenders.

Examples of courses in this area include: appellate advocacy, criminal law, criminal procedure, criminal motions practice, evidence, mock trial, and trial practice.