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STUDENT PROSECUTOR - STUDENTS AS PROSECUTORS - THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIENCE

NCJ Number
14529
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (1974) Pages: 13-15
Author(s)
M H BELSKY
Date Published
1974
Length
3 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMBINATION AND CLINICAL COURSE IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OFFERED BY THE TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW DURING THE 1972-73 ACADEMIC YEAR.
Abstract
DURING THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS OF THIS TWO-SEMESTER COURSE, THIRD-YEAR LAW STUDENTS OBSERVED TRIALS IN THE PHILADELPHIA MUNICIPAL COURT TO FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES INVOLVED IN PROSECUTING CASES. AFTER THIS INTRODUCTORY PERIOD, THEY WERE GIVEN, ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE, THREE OR FOUR SCHEDULED CASES TO PREPARE. ON TRIAL DAY, STUDENTS HANDLED THOSE ASSIGNED CASES WHICH WERE TRIED. NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE SECOND SEMESTER, STUDENTS HAD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THEY HAD ASSUMED FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TRIAL LIST IN ONE COURTROOM. THE STUDENTS' YEAR-END EVALUATION OF THE COURSE CENTERED ON THE LEGAL METHOD, THE LITIGATION AND ETHICAL EXPERIENCE GAINED, AND WHAT THEY HAD LEARNED ABOUT THE PRACTICAL OPERATION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. AS A RESULT OF THE FAVORABLE, EVALUATION, THE COURSE WAS AGAIN OFFERED DURING THE 1973-74 ACADEMIC YEAR.