Criminal Justice Program

A Holistic Approach

At the Schulich School of Law, we acknowledge the importance of substantive and procedural criminal law and recognize that criminal justice interacts in a variety of ways with society and individuals. Our research and teaching look at what influences criminal justice, and who criminal justice affects, while being alert to alternatives that may be better suited to respond to factors that influence crime.

We are concerned about the impacts the criminal justice system has on marginalized communities and individuals, both as victims and perpetrators. We believe that criminal justice must be understood in a social justice context, and that community engagement is central to a fair and transparent criminal justice process.

If you believe that criminal justice goes beyond enforcing the law to examine the factors behind why crimes happen, and you have a passion to serve the community and make a difference, then Schulich Law is the place for you.

Specialize in Criminal Justice

We are committed to providing a broad, practical, and well-rounded educational experience to students studying criminal justice. Our course offerings include both large and small group classes that combine lectures, discussions, and active learning techniques, while providing training in trial and appellate advocacy skills, in-depth approaches to advanced concepts, and substantial opportunities for experiential and clinical learning.

Our Criminal Justice Specialization gives JD students an opportunity to focus on this area and earn a certificate upon graduation.Ìý

Students interested in registering for the Criminal Justice Specialization Certificate must complete ÌýandÌýsubmit it to criminaljustice@dal.caÌýas early as possible – ideally at the start of their second year.

For questions about the Criminal Justice Specialization, contact criminaljustice@dal.ca.

Specialization Requirements

To graduate with a Specialization in Criminal Justice, law students must successfullyÌýcomplete 16 credit hours from courses stated below.

:

• LAWS 2008 EvidenceÌý
• LAWS 2091 Criminal Procedure

:
Students must take at least 1 course from each basket.ÌýÌý

±·°¿°Õ·¡:ÌýSubject to exceptional circumstances and approval of the Associate Dean (Academic) and the relevant certificate directors, students may graduate with a maximum of two certificates.

Credits from a maximum of two individual courses may be counted toward two different certificates.ÌýFor example: Credits earned in LAWS 2127/2128 Mental Disability Law: Criminal may count toward both the Health Law Certificate and the Criminal Justice Certificate.

Criminal Justice Prize – Sarah Welch Paper Prize in Criminal Law

The award honours the legacy of Sarah Welch and how she practiced her profession as a Crown Prosecutor. Sarah attended the Schulich School of Law at º£½ÇÉçÇøapp University, as well as other post-secondary education institutions. It pays tribute to her memory, accomplishments, and many contributions she made to her profession, and in turn provides recognition and support for students interested and skilled in the pursuit of the criminal law field.

This annual prize is to be awarded to a secondÌýor third-year student at the Schulich School of LawÌýwho writes the best research paper as part of their regular course work in the area of criminal lawÌýin the broadest sense. Preference is given to essays on history of criminal law, fairness, and equity in the application of criminal law, in the course of an academic year.

It includes a $2,500 award (if one recipient; if there are two winners, $1,250 per student).Ìý

To qualify for consideration for the prize, the paper must be nominated by a professor, and must be written for a course which qualifies for the Criminal Justice Specialization Certificate.ÌýThis includes papers written in non-criminal law courses which were approved as counting towards the Certificate.

Experiential Learning

Our students have many opportunities to engage with the community, and get practical experience:

• Third-year students can spend a term working at theÌýº£½ÇÉçÇøapp Legal Aid Service (DLAS)Ìýwhere they may participate in youth sentencings, bail hearings, trials, peace bond applications and prison law work.
• Internships, both in Canada and abroad, can provide the chance to work with organizations dedicated to criminal justice.
• Pro Bono º£½ÇÉçÇøapp provides an opportunity for 180 student volunteers to work with more than 50 community organizations, 15 of which currently deal with criminal justice issues, including the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Canadian Prison Law Association, and Innocence Canada.
• We participate in both theÌýSopinka and Gale Cup moots, which focus on criminal matters.
• In theÌý, students shadow a defence lawyer, Crown attorney, or judge for a term, attending trials and gaining exposure to the criminal justice system.Ìý
• In theÌý students learn through field activities with Crown attorneys who specialize in this area, as well as other professionals involved in sexual assault cases.
• In theÌý and Ìýcourses, students are given practical exposure to the entire process of conducting an appeal or a trial in a criminal case.Ìý

Our Faculty

The Schulich School of Law's criminal justice faculty members are world-renowned experts in their field. Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with professors who are passionately devoted to mentoring students.

Career Paths

The opportunities to work in this interesting and complex area of the law are broad and diverse. Whether your goal is to work as a criminal lawyer, for a non-governmental organization, as an academic, or as a legal policy analyst, your education at Schulich Law will prepare you for the career path of your choice. Many of our alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in the criminal justice sphere.