Criminal Justice at UVA Law

University of Virginia School of Law22 minutes read

Josh Bowers teaches criminal law and procedure at UVA Law School, focusing on substantive criminal law and constitutional regulations in investigations and adjudications. The school offers various courses and experiential opportunities in criminal law, balancing individual liberties with public safety and reflecting societal values.

Insights

  • Criminal law courses at UVA Law School cover substantive criminal law and procedural aspects, emphasizing constitutional regulations and balancing individual rights with public safety.
  • Experiential opportunities like clinics and externships at UVA Law School offer students valuable practical experience in criminal law, preparing them for future career transitions and enhancing their understanding of the field.

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Recent questions

  • What does a criminal law class cover?

    Substantive criminal law and statutory interpretation.

  • Who are some notable crim law faculty at UVA Law School?

    John Monahan, Rachel Harmon, Kim Ferzan.

  • What is the focus of a criminal procedure class?

    Constitutional regulations on investigations and adjudications.

  • What are drug courts in criminal justice?

    Modern rehabilitative justice programs.

  • How are criminal law courses balanced at UVA Law School?

    Balancing individual liberties with public safety and order.

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Summary

00:00

"UVA Law School: Criminal Law Overview"

  • Josh Bowers, a professor at UVA Law School, teaches criminal law and procedure, as well as other courses like constitutional law.
  • He previously worked as a public defender at the Bronx Defenders and as a white-collar defense attorney in Manhattan.
  • Bowers discusses studying criminal law and justice at UVA Law School, focusing on substantive criminal law, which covers the substance of crimes and statutory interpretation.
  • Criminal procedure classes at UVA Law School delve into how law enforcement professionals conduct investigations and adjudications, emphasizing constitutional regulations.
  • Bowers teaches a seminar on plea bargaining, exploring its normative dimensions and practical implications.
  • The Investigation class focuses on constitutional regulations of police conduct, including Fourth and Fifth Amendment issues.
  • Students can take Investigation, Adjudication, or both classes for six credits, or opt for a Criminal Procedure Survey course that covers aspects of both.
  • Criminal law courses at UVA Law School aim to balance individual liberties with public safety and order, reflecting societal values and concerns.
  • Beyond core courses, students can explore upper-level seminars, practical classes like Plea Bargaining, and experiential opportunities like clinics and externships.
  • UVA Law School boasts exceptional crim law faculty, including scholars like John Monahan, Rachel Harmon, and Kim Ferzan, who offer valuable teaching and expertise in the field.

14:42

"Modern Drug Courts and Criminal Justice Principles"

  • Drug courts are a modern form of rehabilitative criminal justice.
  • Punishment purposes and crime definition processes are discussed.
  • The principle of legality is based on the rule of law in criminal justice.
  • Clear guidelines are set to limit discretion in enforcement and punishment.
  • Basic elements of any crime include specific criteria and standards.
  • Criminal punishment requires conduct, not just bad thoughts or intentions.
  • Criminal justice demands a substantial step or overt action towards a crime.
  • Intent plays a crucial role in distinguishing between lies and jokes in criminal law.
  • Strict liability crimes remove the core requirements of conduct and mens rea.
  • Defenses in criminal law can demonstrate the absence of a guilty mind or mens rea.

28:28

Law students offered diverse experiential opportunities

  • Law students are provided with various opportunities for clinics and externships, with a selection process for limited spots in certain projects, but ample chances available overall.
  • Students interested in criminal law are encouraged to engage in experiential opportunities early on, whether through extracurricular pro bono projects or clinical offerings, to build a strong criminal law resume for future career transitions.
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