The Youth Justice Clinic is either a one or two-semester clinic in which third-year law students represent minors in several settings: juvenile delinquency court, adult district court, and administrative hearings for education issues. We work in Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. Our delinquency and criminal docket includes misdemeanors and felonies, ranging from disorderly conduct to drug distribution. Our education docket includes long-term suspension hearings and appeals, as well as special education advocacy.
While cases are assigned to individual students, each student works with a partner. The pair meets regularly with a faculty supervisor. Prior to each supervisory meeting, students submit detailed case plans documenting defense strategy. Each student receives extensive oral and written feedback from his or her faculty supervisor. In addition, students engage in self-evaluation and reflection.
Evidence and Criminal Procedure: Investigation must be taken prior to the fall semester of your 3rd year.
Trial Advocacy is a pre- or co-requisite.
In addition, Criminal Procedure: Adjudication is strongly recommended.
Students entering the Youth Justice Clinic for either the fall or the spring must also register for Criminal Lawyering Process in the fall.