lawyer

Overview

Students work closely with experienced attorneys in the representation of indigent defendants charged with or convicted of capital offenses. The death penalty cases are at the trial, appellate, and post-conviction stages of litigation. Students perform tasks integral to effective representation, including visiting clients, interviewing witnesses, conducting field investigations, drafting pleadings, and assisting with preparation for trials, evidentiary hearings, and appellate arguments.

Students are required to take concurrently, or to have taken previously, the two credit Capital Punishment course covering the substantive and procedural law governing death penalty trials and appeals. A background in Texas and federal constitutional criminal procedure is very helpful, but not required.

The Capital Punishment Clinic is sponsored by the Capital Punishment Center at the Law School.

Capital Punishment Clinic students and faculty at the United States Supreme Court after oral arguments in January, 2007.