Advanced Issues in Criminal Law: Prosecutorial Best Practices

This course will focus on the work of the New York State Best Practices Committee comprised of prosecutors who proactively address the issues of the day and strive to improve the criminal justice system-seeking to fulfill their mission to seek justice. The course will feature weekly lectures by members of the New York State Best Practices Committee (Senior and Executive Assistant District Attorneys from throughout New York State) on topics such as prosecutorial ethics, conviction integrity, use of digital and DNA evidence, bail reform, identification procedures, community-based prosecutions and crime strategies units. The course will give students insight into the policy decisions behind prosecutors' efforts to promote public safety and guard the rights of the accused. This course will require a paper and a final presentation.