About Criminal Law, Procedure and Policy
Prepare yourself for every facet of legal practice through our criminal law electives. Whether you’re aiming to become a state or federal prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, a civil rights litigator, or a driving force behind policy reform, our classes will give you the practical skills and real-world knowledge you need to succeed.
Want to take your experience even further? We also offer immersive, weeklong residencies that let you explore hot-topic areas like White Collar Crime. Explore advanced seminars on capital punishment, civil rights litigation, or criminal justice reform. Or get involved in the new Criminal Justice Law and Policy Lab, where you’ll collaborate on projects with partner organizations at the national, state, or local level that are engaged in criminal justice reform work. This experiential course helps students better understand the practical complexities of policy reform work, including the range of stakeholders and how they exert their influence on policy.
You can also join an interdisciplinary research working group on Crime, Violence, and Punishment, collaborating with faculty and graduate students from across campus (including the Maxwell School, the School of Social Work, and other departments) to tackle big-picture challenges in the justice system. You won’t just learn about criminal law at Syracuse Law—you’ll live it.
Joint Degrees
After completing your first year, you can apply to one of our joint degree programs. You’ll earn both degrees within the same three years it takes to complete your J.D.—without paying extra tuition.
J.D./Master of Science in Forensic Science
The J.D./Master of Science in Forensic Science is offered in collaboration with the Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute. Graduates often go on to work in law enforcement, as court psychologists, in federal agencies, or as investigators—after taking classes with leading forensic practitioners and gaining experience in world-class forensic science facilities.
J.D./L.L.M. in Advocacy and Litigation
This innovative program empowers full-time, on-campus J.D. students to earn both their J.D. and L.L.M. in just three years without any additional cost beyond that of the J.D. Whether you’re an incoming student or a current 1L, you can seize this opportunity to gain a distinct advantage in the world of litigation and advocacy with credentials that previously have been available only after completing the J.D.
J.D./Master of Social Work
The J.D./Master of Social Work is offered through the Falk College’s School of Social Work. Students with a joint law and social work degree are trained to advocate for their clients and to have a keen understanding of the psychological, social, and legal perspectives of their challenges.
Student Externships and Feinman Fellowship
Passionate about criminal justice, child welfare, or justice reform? Your public interest journey starts here. The Feinman Fellowship offers generous support to current students and graduates pursuing semester externships or post-graduate, public interest employment in these critical areas. Whether you’re in the courtroom or driving systemic change through policy and reforms, this fellowship helps support your career from the start. Students can also pursue an externship placement at more than a dozen state and federal prosecutor’s offices across the country, earning up to 30 credits toward your J.D. while working with attorneys and judges at all levels of the criminal justice system. Gain experience in placements such as the Department of Justice, Federal Public Defender’s Offices, state prosecutor’s offices, and the state and federal judiciary.
Clinics, Centers and Initiatives
- Cold Case Justice Initiative (CCJI): Work as an investigator and advocate on unsolved, racially motivated Civil Rights Era crimes. In collaboration with state and federal agencies, you’ll help bring long-overdue justice to families and communities.
Student Groups and Journals
- Criminal Law Society: Interested in criminal law or just curious to learn more about the justice system? The Criminal Law Society (CLS) brings together like-minded students interested in exploring careers in prosecution, defense, policy, and reform. Whether you’re committed to a future in criminal law or simply want to gain insight into the field, CLS offers a welcoming space to connect, engage, and grow. Throughout the semester, CLS hosts guest speakers from across the criminal law spectrum, providing valuable perspectives from civil rights advocates, defense attorneys, and prosecutors. It’s also a great way to network with alumni, build professional relationships, and meet fellow students with shared interests. CLS offers a forum to get involved, expand your knowledge, and to start building your career in criminal law.
All Student Groups All Student Journals
Criminal Law, Procedure and Policy Faculty Experts
Below is a list of faculty with research expertise and practice experience across the criminal justice system, at the state, federal and international levels. We also have a terrific roster of committed adjunct faculty: state and federal prosecutors, defense attorneys, and civil rights litigators working closely with our students in advanced skills courses.
Degree Outcomes: Criminal Law, Procedure and Policy Alumni Stories
Taking on Justice Causes in Pursuit of Truly Meaningful Representation
From Sparring in the Courtroom to Sparring in the Ring— How John V. Elmore L’84 Divides His Time
Criminal Law, Procedure and Policy News and Research Highlights
See the latest commentary from our faculty and students on newsworthy topics related to criminal law and policy.